Thats what last winter was like for me , I seriously couldn't keep the amount of money up for running a couple of oil filled rads in a small 2 bed semi .. pay as you go is the most expensive way of buying it .
This year I am running a small calor gas heater downstairs , its a bit cheaper but not a massive reduction , I dont know how you do cope when you have kids , its easier for me being on my own , but I do know where your coming from regarding the silly money your having to stick in the meters