1.7m people turn off heating amid rising bills

ALMOST two million people are turning down the heat to cope with rising bills, a new study has found.

Analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland ( CAS) by YouGov has estimated that 1.7 million adults ( 78% of adults in Scotland who have cut back on household spending due to energy costs) are turning down the thermostat or not heating all the rooms in their homes to deal with rising energy costs.

CAS social justice spokesperson David Hilferty said: “As the cost of living continues to rise people are turning down thermostats and not heating every room in their home to deal with energy prices.

“In some cases that may be a sensible move to reduce costs; however, for others, it may create long- term health problems if their home isn’t adequately heated or cold.”

In light of this, the charity is running its Big Energy Saving Winter campaign which encourages people to seek advice if they are worried about the cost of living and energy bills this winter.

Analysis released last week for the campaign also found that around 1.3m adults in Scotland have cut back on groceries because of rising energy bills.

Mr Hilferty added: “Anyone worried about bills, the cost of living and cold homes can turn to the Citizens Advice network for help. Visit cas. org. uk/ besw to find an advice option that works for you, whether that is one- toone in a local CAB or through one of our online platforms.

“Our advisers get real results last year we unlocked £ 132m for people and on average those who saw a financial gain after seeking advice were £ 4200 better off.

“That could be actually lifechanging money this winter.

“We are for everyone regardless of if they are in work or not, and our advice is free, impartial and confidential.

“We don’t judge, we just help so anyone who is struggling in a cold home should seek advice as soon as possible.”