To heat or eat? A very real question for Britain's poorest families who are struggling to afford their energy bills.

Barnado's report, aptly titled 'Priced out', highlights the current reality of families in poverty who are £450 short as they are 'priced out' of heating their homes adequately.

The report states that families with low incomes need to spend around £1,165 per year on fuel but families with the lowest incomes are only spending £723, creating a 'fuel gap' which is detrimental to children's health and family well-being.

The report also highlights how low income families are forced to pay for their gas and electricity by means of pre-payment meter, adding up to £80 onto the energy bill and are unable to benefit from any energy discounts as they do not have the option to pay by Direct Debit or access cheaper internet tariffs.

Anne Marie Carrie, Barnado's Chief Executive said "Effectively these families are being penalised by their payment method at a time when they need the most financial help."

She went on to say, "Families should never have to choose between whether to heat their homes or put food on the table for their children."

Barnado's has launched 'Child in Crisis' appeal which calls for support to help the most vulnerable children and their families who are in poverty.

Anne Marie Carrie added "we would urge the government to truly tackle the issue of fuel poverty by the root, by bringing forward the requirement on landlords to make their properties energy efficient for tenants"

View Barnado's report 'Priced Out' here.