Soaring energy costs are forcing Britain’s most vulnerable families into an impossible trade-off: staying warm or feeding their families. According to IMF data, the poorest 10% of UK households spent 18% of their budgets on energy in 2023 – a financial burden that’s reshaping daily life for millions.
Jo Kilmartin, coordinator of Hastings-based food aid group Doms Food Mission, told myglobalnews.net: 'We’re seeing people ration showers to once a week and skip meals just to keep lights on.' Local donations from businesses and hospitals now form a critical lifeline as gas prices have skyrocketed 141% and electricity 65% since 2021/22.
The crisis exposes a growing energy poverty gap across G20 nations, with inflation and global market shifts hitting low-income families hardest. As winter approaches, advocates warn systemic solutions are needed to prevent more families from falling through the cracks.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
