Adults under 30 years old may struggle to pay the higher bills which accompany winter weather, new research has found.

The survey from Birmingham Midshires has concluded that almost a third of this group had to use savings to pay their bills in the third quarter of 2006.

Energy bills have risen by more than 38 per cent in the last year and a further increase is expected over the winter, according to the building society.

"Our latest findings make for worrying reading as we move into the coldest season of the year," said Jason Robinson, director of savings & investments for Birmingham Midshires.

"We all know that Christmas can be an expensive celebration and Brits need to make financial provisions in order to cope with the seasonal generosity as well as the increase in bills over the winter months."

One way of cutting energy bills may be to install insulation in your home.

Click here for a selection of double glazed windows and doors from Safestyle.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe