I sold ring to top up meter

Poverty-stricken Britons have sold wedding rings to top up the electric meter, a report claims. Researchers looked at lengths the worst-hit people are pushed to by the cost-of-living crisis.

In 40 interviews with Leeds residents in poverty, one said: “I sold my engagement and wedding rings to top up the electric.” Another woman said: “I’ve been in bins before to try and feed.” A man said: “We wanted a Pot Noodle. To boil the kettle, I pulled the floor and skirting boards up and burnt them in an open fire.” A Leeds University study partly blamed Universal Credit cuts. The DWP said: “We are protecting millions of the most vulnerable families with at least £1,200 of support.”

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