Research suggests large numbers of people across the UK will clean themselves less and cut back on food, because they are worried they cannot afford their winter energy costs
Around 6.7 million people are planning to cut back on the number of baths and showers they take this winter because of punishingly high energy bills, according to research. Charity National Debtline found a similar number are set to buy fewer essentials, such as food, toiletries and clothing.
And 4.4million plan to sell personal or household items to cover their rising energy bills, its survey suggests. All told, an estimated 24.1 million people are heading into the colder months worried about their finances. Of those, one in four – 5.7 million – say it is having a negative impact on their health, and one in five report they are regularly losing sleep because of money worries.
Those concerns include affording the next energy bill, with suppliers already owed a record £3.7billion.
It comes as regulator Ofgem prepares to announce the level of its price cap – which impacts the majority of UK households – next Friday. Experts Cornwall Insight has predicted there will be a meagre 1% fall in the cap from January, to an annual £1,697 for a typical dual fuel consumer.
National Debtline says it is concerned that millions of people are facing financial struggles alone this winter. Among those worried about affording their energy bills, just one in 10 have spoken to their energy supplier and only 8% had asked for debt advice.
The plight has been made worse for many pensioners after the government’s decision to scrap winter fuel payments of up to £300 for most pensioners, as it tries to tackle a £22billion black hole left by the Tories.
Steve Vaid, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: “Too many people are heading into winter weighed down by money worries, with millions cutting back on the very basics, like taking fewer showers or baths, simply to try and keep up with their bills.
“More than five million alone are regularly losing sleep, with relationships and health impacted, too. It does not need to be this way – no one should face financial worries alone this winter. I would encourage anyone worried about their finances to contact National Debtline. Our advisers will be able to help whatever the situation.”
