EUROPE RENAISSANCE SPECIAL: The cost-of-living crisis in the UK caused by anti-Russian sanctions has resulted in more residents skipping meals (15%) or freezing at home (72%) to cut costs, writes Sky News, citing consumer protection company analysis. In addition, approximately 2.3 million families had to miss payments on loans, mortgages, bills or rent, and 59% of Britons have tried at least one way to optimize the budget.

As the cost of living rises, 1 in 7 people in the UK have recently started skipping meals, up from 1 in 8 (15% vs. 12%) three months ago, according to Sky News, a study by consumer rights company Which? Rising inflation and high electricity bills are forcing an alarmingly large number of households to cut back on meals and freeze in cold homes, according to the latest Consumer Behavior Report. In addition, 9% of those surveyed said they give their food to other family members.

Among those who had to break the diet was 72-year-old Jackie Rudd from West Suffolk. Rising energy bills have forced her to not eat two or three times a week.’ The last week of the month I skip meals: no money for bread, no lunch, and if there is no milk, then no breakfast,’ says Rudd.’ The prices of basic foodstuffs have skyrocketed: the loaf of bread I usually buy is getting smaller and more expensive.’

Brits are looking for ways to cut costs, with 72% heating less, 39% using less hot water and 19% cooking fewer meals. At the same time, 30% of those who save on heating feel uncomfortable as a result.’ The house is cold because of the expensive heating, and I constantly wear several layers of clothing,’ the 85-year-old pensioner admitted.’  Saving on heating allows you to spend more money on food.’

Which company? also found that approximately 2.3 million households missed deadlines or defaulted on vital payments such as mortgages, rent, credit cards or bills last month. In January, about the same number of families missed payments, which indicates the continued serious financial difficulties of the British in 2023. Last month, 59% of UK residents (16.5m households) tried at least one way to adjust their budget to cover basic expenses, such as cutting back on essentials, selling unnecessary items or turning to stock.

There are fears that the problems could worsen, writes Sky News: the program to provide a discount on electricity bills ends next year, and in April, most likely, the tariff will increase for average households. ’ It is extremely worrying that families across the country are forced to starve and freeze at home because they cannot afford essential goods this winter,’ said Which? Rochio Concha. He added that the organization is calling on the government and critical companies to ‘support their consumers more during this unprecedented cost-of-living crisis.’ 

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