Energy News

Families cut back on fuel to pay for home

Thursday 19 January, 2012

By Martin Fagan

Millions of Brits are cutting back on fuel and food to help pay their rent or mortgage, says housing charity.

More than one in five people have cut their spending on gas and electricity to help pay their rent or mortgage in the last 12 months - a 60% increase since 2008.

The new survey from housing charity Shelter also reveals that just over one in three Brits have spent less on food to pay their housing costs, a rise of 44% over the same period.

Shelter took its findings from interviewing 4,014 people across Britain. If the figures were projected nationally, this could equate to 16 million people cutting back on food spending and 10 million reducing fuel bills to cover their rent or mortgage, Shelter said.

Inflation-busting rises in the prices of food and fuel, widespread pay freezes and rising unemployment are all contributing factors to people having to make stark lifestyle choices with their household spending, according to the charity.

"These staggering findings show just how many millions of people are cutting back on essentials as the continued squeeze on incomes starts to really bite,” said Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter.

"It demonstrates the tough choices families now have to make between heating their home, putting a decent meal on the table or paying for the roof over their head.

"Every two minutes someone in Britain is at risk of losing their home. We strongly urge anyone struggling to pay their rent or mortgage to seek advice as early as possible."

The charity is calling on anyone who is struggling with their housing costs to seek early advice in order to try to prevent them putting their home at risk.

Shelter has a network of specialist advice services around the country. A free helpline and online advice available at shelter.org.uk.

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