By David Milliken LONDON (Reuters) – The number of British households who failed to pay their energy bills last month was 39% higher than a year ago, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed on Thursday, showing ongoing economic strains despite a recent fall in inflation. Failed direct debits – automated bill payments used by most British households – accounted for 1.17% of electricity and gas direct debits last month, up from 0.84% in December 2023. Direct debit payments fail if there is insufficient money in a customer’s bank account, or if a customer cancels automated payments…