Consumer group's call over rising cost of living

One in seven people say they have skipped meals due to the rising cost of living, according to a leading consumer group.

The Which? consumer insight tracker nine per cent of people saying they have prioritised meals for other family members, four per cent have used a food bank and 72% have turned the heating on less due to rising prices.

The survey also found that an estimated 2.3 million households had missed or defaulted on a vital payment such as a mortgage, rent, credit card or bill payment in the last month - in line with the number who missed payments in January.

Some 59% say they have made at least one financial adjustment such as cutting back on essentials, selling items or dipping into savings in the last month to cover essential spending – equating to an estimated 16.5 million households.

The figure is up from the 52% making financial adjustments this time last year but down on the peak of 65% in September.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: "It's hugely worrying that households are forced to go hungry and sit in cold homes as they cannot afford basic essentials this winter.

"We are calling on the Government and essential businesses to do more to support customers through this costof-living crisis.”

He added: "With energy bills due to rise in April, the Government must urgently consider postponing its decision to increase the energy price guarantee to £3,000.

"For some families, who continue to be battered by high inflation, this will offer an important lifeline to stop them falling into financial distress."