Coats of living
BRITS WRAP UP TO SAVE ON HEAT BILLS
ALMOST half of Brits are wearing their coats indoors to save on heating bills while councils open “warm rooms” as winter bites.
Women are most likely to don a parka indoors (47%), compared to 43% of blokes, a study reveals.
Cleaning boss Gemma Cunningham, 41, of Cromer, Norfolk, said: “Instead of putting the heating on first thing I just put my fluffy jacket on.
“If it saves me a few pounds then it’s worth it,” she told heating firm Airgon.
It comes as more than half of councils are opening “warm rooms” for people who are unable to afford heating.
Libraries, community centres, theatres, museums, art galleries, children’s centres and churches are all being opened up. A survey by charity Save the Children found 194 out of 355 local councils are setting up warm rooms or supporting groups to open them.
Many have extended their opening hours in the evenings and weekends, and some are providing free hot drinks.
One council leisure centre is offering hot showers for £1.
Save The Children’s Dan Paskins said: “We are extremely worried about the circumstances the country’s poorest children will be living in this winter.”
● The price of some popular foods has doubled in the last two years. A 460g bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup shot up by by 53% or 91p said Which?.
Dolmio Lasagne Sauce (470g) was up 47% or 61p, and rose by as much as 107% or £1.09 in one supermarket.
A GRIM winter lies ahead of us as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.
Millions are worried about how they’re going to get through it.
Households across the country are being forced to make difficult decisions as they face soaring energy bills and food costs.
Many are already resorting to extreme measures, such as wearing coats indoors to save on bills.
And it’s a sign of how bleak the picture is that thousands of “warm rooms” are now having to be set up to help people who can’t afford to put the heating on.
While of course it’s welcome that those in need can access such places, it shows how desperate the situation has become.
There are warnings the health of many children will be put at risk this winter as families try to cope with severely tightened budgets.
Which is why this week’s Autumn Statement must prioritise protecting the most vulnerable.
Over to you Rishi and Jezza!