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A quarter of adults are struggling to stay warm in their living rooms – and many are going to bed early to stay cozy this winter due to high energy bills.
One study found that 23% of adults were sometimes, rarely, or never able to keep their living room comfortably warm in the past two weeks.
In data compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 63% of adults reported using less gas and electricity due to rising living costs, and 96% of those adults were using less heating.
When asked what steps they are taking to keep warm this winter, 82% of adults said they are adding more clothes or blankets, 46% just heating the rooms they have, 31% Use a water bottle or microwave warmer and 27% go to bed earlier.
Respondents said they are also cutting back on using tumble dryers and washing machines and using baths or showers less often.
A survey of 4,962 households shows the daily sacrifices Britons are making as the cost of everything from food to energy rises sharply.
ONS figures yesterday showed inflation was 10.7% in November, slightly softer than 11.1% in October but still above the 2% rate targeted by the Bank of England.
The Guardian revealed this week that the Government will belatedly launch a campaign on Saturday to encourage households to make their homes more energy efficient and save money.
However, many households have already reduced their consumption and 34% of all adults reported that turning off their home heating had a negative impact on their health or well-being.
The first “The Impact of Winter Pressure” report shows that 16% of adults are worried they will run out of food before they have money to buy more and 19% have reduced their portion sizes. The study revealed that 17% eat food that is past its use-by date.
With the NHS under severe pressure, one in five people reported that they were waiting for a hospital appointment, test or medical treatment through the health service.
The survey results come after Citizens Advice reported a monthly number of people saying energy-related problems and issues hit a record high in November.
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