UK's poorest faced with stark choices amid extreme weather conditions

As sub-zero temperatures and snow and ice continue to batter the UK, new insight from Cadent highlights how people in low-income households are missing meals and turning their heating off to try and keep their heads above water.

• Almost 7 in 10 (68%) of the 2,001 low-income respondents said they are more worried about higher living costs than they were last year.
• Three quarters (75%) of those surveyed said they are already struggling^[1] to pay household bills, with the main causes of concern being energy bills (71%), food (56%) and council tax (40%).
• 87 per cent of respondents are cutting back on essentials^[2], with 42 per cent keeping their heating off despite extreme weather, with some parts of the country faring better than others.
• Over half (52%) of those surveyed said they don’t know where to go for help, but dedicated support is available, says Cadent.

As the UK faces the coldest snap in more than a decade, new research from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, has revealed how 75 per cent of people surveyed on low incomes are struggling¹ to make ends meet, with people in the 25-34 year old age bracket (89%) being the worst affected.

Fatema, a single mum of three said: “Since the cost-of-living crisis, I’ve struggled with essentials such as food and uniforms for my children. But more recently, I was hit with a huge household bill, and I had no way to pay it. I was terrified!”

The research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Cadent, surveyed just over 2,000 people from low-income households across the country, to assess how people are coping with ongoing higher living costs. The toll is mounting and the report shows that Fatema is not the only one experiencing serious financial difficulties.

Almost nine in ten (87%) people surveyed are making adjustments to save money^[3], with the main cutbacks being made on social spend (59%), heating (50%) and food (46%), but stretched to their limit and with no end in sight, some are making worrying decisions.

42 per cent of respondents have not turned their heating on at all this winter and alarmingly, this figure rises to almost 50 per cent (49%) amongst 45 - 54-year-olds surveyed. There are also huge regional disparities, with respondents in Manchester more likely to cope without heating (46%), despite being statistically colder than the south of England (Greater London 32%).

25-34 year olds surveyed are also most likely to skip meals (40% vs 27% average) and elderly respondents (aged 60+) are more likely to turn the heating down than non-elderly respondents (70% vs 62%).

Over 50 per cent (52%) of the respondents said they don’t know where to go for help if they can’t afford to pay their household bills and Cadent is urging people to speak with their utility supplier if they are struggling to pay their energy bills.

Fatema visited the Bonny Downs Community Centre in East Ham, which receives funding as part of Cadent’s Centres for Warmth programme to support families worst hit by escalating costs.

She explains: “The Bonny Downs Community Centre has been a genuine lifeline for me. I don’t know where I’d be without the support, the centre has helped me so much. The team helped with essentials such as food and when I was hit with an unexpected bill, they have been able to help me get it paid.”

Mark Belmega, Director of Sustainability and Social Purpose, said: “The higher cost-of-living continues to take a staggering toll on Fatema and other low-income households across the country. Thankfully Fatema found the help she needed at one of our Centres for Warmth and the message we want to share with others is that help is available.

“Our website is packed with easy-to-follow money saving tips and information to help our customers make savings safely, but the support goes far beyond this and includes debt and benefit advice – just take the first step and get in touch.”

If you are feeling anxious or stressed about higher living costs, Cadent’s partner, Shout, offers 24/7, free, confidential support from a trained mental health advisor. Text WARMTH to 85258 to speak to an advisor.