
The survey revealed that people in the UK are preparing for a harsh winter.
According to surveys, about a quarter of individuals do not anticipate using their heaters this winter as average bills are expected to soar as a result of last week’s announcement of the new energy price cap.
According to a Savanta ComRes study conducted prior to the new price cap’s announcement, this number is significantly higher for parents with children under the age of 18. People are debating whether and how they will heat their houses as the cost of living crisis remains at the top of the list of concerns.
What results did the poll show?
More than 2,000 UK adults were surveyed about how they would react to growing energy costs over the winter. 23% of respondents said they wouldn’t put on their heating at all, and that number rose to 27% among parents of children under the age of 18.
One in ten (11%) indicated they would take out a loan, with the latter number increasing again for those who have children under the age of 18 (17%). Seven in ten (69%) said they would turn their heater on less.
Additionally, according to the polls, parents of children under the age of 18 are more likely than normal to use their credit cards for larger purchases (33% against 23% nationally).
The survey findings were weighted by age, sex, area, and socioeconomic class to be representative of the UK. The announcement comes amid concerns that the coming winter will be difficult for many people. The energy price cap is expected to increase by 80% by October, increasing the typical household’s yearly cost from £1,971 to £3,549.
The next prime minister should be able to “strike the ground running” when they into office in September, according to chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who has stated that he is working “flat out” to develop ideas for a strategy.
However, some claim that the Government has been inactive, and neither Tory leadership contender has specified in detail how they will assist the populace prior to the contest’s conclusion. Families are being forced to make “heartbreaking decisions,” according to the Liberal Democrats, who paid for the survey and warned that the nation is “on the verge of the biggest cost-of-living catastrophe in a century.”
The party is urging authorities to rescind the October energy price cap increase, which was partially paid for by a new windfall tax on oil and gas businesses.
Families and retirees throughout the nation are making agonising decisions because the government has failed to save them, according to Christine Jardine, the Lib Dems’ Cabinet Office spokesman.
The fact that parents must choose between heating their houses and providing food for their kids is a national issue. This is not how it ought to be.
What have the authorities said?
In response to unprecedented gas costs across the continent caused by world events, such as (Vladimir) Putin’s aggressiveness in the Ukraine and his weaponization of energy in Europe, a government official said: “We know people are tremendously upset about growing energy expenses. In the coming weeks and months, direct assistance will continue to find its way into people’s pockets with a focus on those who most need it, such as low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
As part of our $3.7 billion package of home assistance, one in four UK households will receive an additional $1,200 in support, paid out in monthly instalments throughout the year, and everyone will get a £400 energy bill discount throughout the winter. In order to ensure that any additional support or obligations on cost of living can be fulfilled as soon as possible when the new prime minister is in place, the Civil Service is also making the necessary preparations.