downward

Although it was also noted there was a downward trend for the sale of these products before the legislation was introduced and high rates of inflation could also have had an impact.

"She went into a massive downward spiral. I tried to get her involved in many different support networks, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, other avenues, but they didn't really work."

Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council, said tariff decreases are "very welcome news as they indicate a downward trend in wholesale energy prices".

She said that savers had seen a downward trend in returns during the time when the Bank has been lowering the Bank rate.

After the latest cut, Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said that although rates remained on a downward path, future cuts would be made gradually and carefully.