Many Brits are unprepared for the seasonal rise in bills as winter draws in, new research suggests.

Higher than expected bills during the third quarter of 2005 sent many households running to raid their savings accounts with 18 per cent of people underestimating the true cost of their utilities.

Younger households area also more likely to get a nasty shock when the bill lands on their doorstep with almost a quarter of twenty somethings and 29 per cent of those in their thirties having to dip into their savings accounts to cover higher tan estimated cost of bills.

Those living in the east of England were also worst prepared for their summer bills with half forced to pay out of their savings.

With the winter months accounting for between 60 and 70 per cent of the annual fuel bill, Birmingham Midshires is advising people to start planning how to cover the cost of their forthcoming bills now.

Kevin Mountford, head of savings sales & marketing at Birmingham Midshires, commented: "To avoid being stung by higher winter bills and to protect savings we would advise Britons to revisit their bills from previous years so that they can make the necessary financial provisions for these expenses.

"The run up to Christmas and the onset of winter is often an expensive time of the year and prior planning can help us keep our savings intact."