The cost of living crisis may force the most vulnerable to choose between heating or eating due to the highest rise in costs in 40 years.

We all know that over the past few years, events worldwide, such as the Russian and Ukraine conflict, the aftermath of Covid-19, and the high unemployment rate, have directly impacted UK households. With the cost of living continuously increasing with no signs of slowing down, people are becoming more desperate. Households could be forced to decide between eating or putting the heating on to keep warm.

We should not be facing an energy crisis on this scale in 2022. With that said, the cost of living increase shows no sign of slowing down and will continue to rise through early 2023. With the highest prices yet to come- the question a lot of UK families are asking is- What am I going to do?

With energy bills getting out of control, people who fall into the vulnerable category say they feel “too scared” to use the electricity and gas in their homes. This fear is caused in case they either can’t afford to use what they need or are hit with an energy bill they cannot afford.

This should never have to be an option, let alone a lifeline. People have become increasingly worried about the coming months and whether or not they will make it through the winter. These will likely suffer the most this winter if energy prices rise again. People have started taking extreme measures to try and save money on household essentials and energy bills. But it is still not enough.

How this is impacting people’s lives?

One person has claimed they leave their home during the day and travel around on the local bus using their free bus pass to avoid using energy at home. Another stated, “When you haven’t got much money, you’re left with the decision of whether you spend your last £5 on gas or potatoes, bread, and milk.” The crunch in the cost of living and soaring inflation have meant that 2 in every 5 families will be left facing the choice of heating or eating this winter.

While the poorest households are facing a rate of inflation that is three points higher than the wealthiest 10% of Britain, this is leading to more and more people struggling to buy the bare essentials. Recent estimations show people are spending on average 31% less on food than before the cost of living went up. For some families, this entails parents going without for their children to have a full belly.

High-energy-cost families have even cut back on non-essentials to try and save money, but this is still not enough, and people are still left struggling or having to go without to make ends meet. Inflation costs include liquid fuel rising by 114.1% and gas prices rising by 95.7%. Whilst electricity is rising by 54% and solid fuels are rising by 26.9% since 2022.

Martin Lewis Speaks Out

The money-saving expert and people’s champion Martin Lewis has told ITV news, “The situation we are in at the moment is catastrophic at this point, and it’s only going to get worse.” “UK households are almost at breaking point.” “The cost of living crisis has never been higher, and we must do something now!” “We cannot let this continue where people feel so concerned about the rising bills that they put their health at risk and feel forced to cut back on meals.”

Those most at risk this winter amid the cost of living crisis are the disabled and high-energy-cost households with small children.

Lower temperatures have become more dangerous for those with respiratory diseases, arthritis, or heart problems. Because of this, pensioners are considered to be at the highest risk of being cold this winter. Disadvantaged groups, vulnerable people such as disabled people, and households with small children rely more on energy than most.

If these prices continue to rise, they will destroy family budgets and leave people with no other option than to choose between heating or eating.

“Heat or eat now is a huge reality,” said Sky News.

Many families have been forced to sell everything they own to be able to top up the gas and electricity. Many claim they are skipping meals and cooking less to try and cut back on their energy costs.

Is there any help available?

There is currently a variety of help available for struggling families. The government has announced new measures on how they are going to help the nation address this national crisis. The types of schemes available from the government are:

  • A new warm home scheme – A new warm home discount scheme is being implemented this winter, allowing eligible households to receive up to £150 to help towards their energy bills this winter.
  • A one-off payment of £400 for winter fuel is also available from January 2023 for those who require additional help heating their home.
  • Food banks – If families feel they are struggling to put food on the table, many food banks across the UK can support and guide many families. Food vouchers and parcels are available from food banks on a first come, first served basis. As well as most food necessities being available to grab and go. Local food banks can also offer advice, and most food banks in the UK have a drop-in policy, meaning anyone can turn up when they are open and request help, whether with food for the week or just a friendly face to chat to. Find your nearest food bank.
  • Local councils will be available to offer help to anyone in need. However, this will vary depending on the area you live. Find your local council.
  • Water support: Support is available for people struggling to pay their water bills. The water support payment is in place to provide support, including payment plans and water rate reductions. Find out if you are entitled to the water support payment.
  • Cold weather payments: These are one-off payments to help pay for heating when it’s freezing. Cold weather payments are available whenever the outside temperature drops below a specific temperature.

To receive this cold weather payment, you must receive the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

Apply for Cold Weather Payment

The Welsh government are also offering additional support to those living in Wales. Eligible households can claim a one-off payment of £200 cashback from their local council. You could claim this payment if you live in Wales and receive benefits.  Find out if you can get support.

Local councils are also issuing council tax rebates of £150. You can find more information on council tax rebates here.

Find out if you can gain a tax rebate from your local council.

If you suffer from any underlying, long-term health conditions, help is available from local councils. Each council will have a different means of helping, depending on where you live. For people with long-term conditions such as respiratory conditions or arthritis, help is available on government websites regarding any grants or schemes you may be entitled to. This will depend on what sort of benefits you are receiving.

Available Help

Citizens’ advice is also available to people 24 hours a day to offer any assistance needed. Citizens’ advice workers have claimed millions of homes will suffer amid the cost of living crisis and stated, “The government must act now to protect people on low incomes.”

“Managing energy is complicated, and many people are unaware of the available support. We are here to help.” Gillian Cooper, Citizens’ Advice head of energy policy, stated: “Urgent help is needed for those hit the hardest by rocketing living costs.”

Citizens’ advice can offer you help with vouchers and advice, as well as routes to take to get help with the cost of living. These can include:

  • Getting help with rent and bills
  • Help with health costs
  • Help with paying for food
  • Help with travel costs
  • Help with school costs

And many more. You can find help through your local citizen’s advice

The Mirror revealed that 5.3 million Britons have already had to choose between heating or eating, equal to 10% of the British population. Times are getting increasingly desperate, and with costs predicted to almost double into early next year, living costs have never been closer to breaking point.

We are in the middle of a global crisis that none of us has ever seen in our lifetime. People are struggling to afford the bare minimum to try and keep on top of their electricity bills. And with things only going to get worse in the coming months, Consumer Rights would like to hear about how people are preparing for what’s to come as we face the highest rise in energy prices and household costs in 40 years.

The current situation is a massive shame and significantly impacts the entire country. Still, people remain hopeful that something will be done by September 5th, when a new Prime Minster is elected. The hopes that this crisis will decrease ASAP are now higher than ever. If you still have concerns about the cost of living increasing or your energy prices, reach out for some advice today.

We are all going through the same crisis and must help each other to get through it. Please take the time to read through the possible options and schemes above; they may be able to help your understanding and answer some of your questions.

By Danielle Lockett