Those struggling as a result of the cost of living crisis are not advised to cancel their direct debit for energy bills, according to Citizens Advice.

The service for Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford (SORT) said residents in these areas should speak to their supplier in the first instance, then to them if the problem is not resolved.

It comes after a campaign called Don't Pay UK attracted more than 100,000 signatures from people who plan to cancel their direct debit if and when Ofgem's cap on prices rises on October 1.

The campaign's website reads: "Even if a fraction of those of us who are paying by direct debit stop our payments, it will be enough to put energy companies in serious trouble, and they know this. We want to bring them to the table and force them to end this crisis."

Steve Hughes, chief operating officer of Citizens Advice SORT, advised an alternative course of action.

He said: "We’re hearing from people every day facing desperate choices because they’re struggling to pay their energy bills and we understand why some people may feel they’re running out of options. 

"We’d always encourage people, as a first port of call, to contact their supplier because they have to help you come to a solution. 

"Try to come to an agreement that works for both of you, whether that’s reducing your payments in line with what you can afford or finding a way to pay off any debts you’ve built up. 

"If you’re worried, and need support because you’re in debt or need support making contact with your energy supplier because you’re worried about making payments, we’re here to help."

Mr Hughes warned of the consequences of a cancellation, which range from a fee to full disconnection.

He added: "When you build up arrears to your supplier they can take action like moving you onto a prepayment meter or, in rare cases, they could disconnect you. 

"There are clear rules around this though. Your supplier can’t make you move to prepayment if it wouldn’t be safe or practical, for instance if an illness or disability means you’d be at risk if your gas or electricity was cut off.

"Your supplier also needs to follow clear guidance and make sure they’ve given you notice, given you time to pay any debts and offered you alternatives to being moved onto a prepayment meter.

"It’s also worth bearing in mind that energy debts could affect your credit rating which may impact your ability to access lending in the future. Paying via prepayment meter is also likely to mean you pay more for your energy."

For information, go to casort.org. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.