Almost 8,000 people living in North Devon are struggling to pay off fuel bills incurred through high costs of heating this winter.
More than 10,000 households in Torridge are experiencing the same problems as a result of freezing temperatures over the last few months, the North Devon Journal reported.
The data was disclosed in response to a question raised in parliament by the area’s MP, Nick Harvey, who said his constituency is "at a loss" when it comes to fuel poverty.
He added: "The whole system needs a dramatic shake-up. The funding schemes in place to help those struggling are inadequate and not targeting the right people."
Fuel poverty is officially defined as a situation when a household spends more than ten per cent of its total income on heating costs.
The government has a target of eradicating the issue across the country over the next six years.
Britons concerned that their energy costs are too high and cannot be supported by their earnings may wish to consider an equity release plan to boost their income. 
