One in four people could be forced into turning their heating and hot water off when energy bills increase this autumn.
Ahead of the announcement of the new energy price cap from this October, with prices predicted to rise once again, some new research from Citizens Advice has now revealed that 25% of UK residents – which is the equivalent of 16.5 million people – are so worried about the increases in energy costs that they think they’ll be forced to turn off their heating and hot water to save money.
This shocking figure then increases to 31% of households with children, and 39% of bill payers on a low income, according to the research.
The research also found that 48% (35.1 million people) said they would have to turn down their heating or hot water, and in addition to this, 34% (22.8 million people) of respondents said they would have difficulty affording food or other essentials – such as their mortgage, rent, or childcare.
Devastatingly, 7% (4.5 million people) said they would even be forced to skip meals.
ADVERTISEMENT
More than 16 million people could be ‘forced’ to turn their heating off when energy bills increase this autumn / Credit: Pxhere
Because of these shocking new statistics, Citizens Advice is warning that without urgent intervention from the Government, households will continue to face “impossible choices” and “drastic cutbacks” to be able to afford to heat their homes.
The advice service concedes that the Government has inherited “a challenging situation” with the fact that bills are increasing to “historic levels”, but that the new Prime Minister must step in and “act fast” to stop millions of households falling further into hardship this winter, especially those in desperate need who can’t afford to wait until the plans to shift focus on renewables comes into fruition in the long term.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’re already helping record numbers of people with energy debt, but we’re now bracing ourselves for an even more challenging winter,” commented Citizens Advice’s Chief Executive, Dame Clare Moriarty, ahead of the expected energy price cap rise.
Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce energy bills:
🏠 Add roof and loft insulation 🚪 Draught-proof doors/windows 🧱 Insulate walls 🌡️ Consider floor insulation 🔥 Insulate water tanks/radiators
“The price cap increase will see a wave of households tipped into debt, bill payers forced to make impossible decisions to make ends meet, and families worried about the impact the cold will have on their loved ones.
“Energy prices might be down from the peak of the crisis, but with many already in the red and the removal of previous support packages, there’s still no light at the end of the tunnel for those in desperate need.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The Government has inherited a huge challenge, but there must be no delay in their action.
Sara Cox tipped to replace Scott Mills for Eurovision 2026
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s very own Sara Cox is reportedly set to replace Scott Mills at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following his sacking from the BBC.
Mills was axed by the news and entertainment corporation on Monday, 1 April, for ‘misconduct’, which has now been revealed to involve a historic relationship with a boy aged under 16.
While the fallout surrounding Scott Mills is only just beginning, the task of finding his replacement in multiple roles has already begun – though it looks like one may have already been decided.
Now reported by multiple outlets, it appears as though Bolton-born Sara Cox is first in line to pick up Mills’ co-hosting duties for this year’s Eurovision show.
Having already been involved with coverage of the event on multiple ocassions in the past, it now appears that she’ll be in post for the Grand Final too.
As a long-standing radio and TV staple, it only takes a quick look at social media to see how much backing she has already received in the past, with a post from last year reading, “Great to have Sara Cox back commentating on Eurovision“, and others from over a decade ago praising her past presenting.
In fact, it might not end just here either, as many are already calling for her to replace the 53-year-old breakfast show host.
From her days as a Radio 1 favourite to becoming a BBC mainstay across the board, her popularity only seems to have grown over the last decade, especially thanks to her charity fundraising efforts.
While an official announcement is yet to be made, the feeling is that it is all but confirmed for her to take over from Mills as part of the Eurovision commentary team.
As for the now vacant early morning slot on BBC Radio 2, the likes of Claudio Winkleman, Vernon Kay, fellow Manc Nick Grimshaw, the aforementioned Rylan, and several others have all been floated as potential stand-ins/future full-time hosts.
Do you think both should be given to Sara Cox, and if not, who would you like to see replace Scott Mills?
Millions of UK workers to get pay rises from today as National Living and Minimum Wage increases
Emily Sergeant
Millions of workers across the UK are set to begin receiving substantial pay rises from today.
After the Government announced back in November that it would take the recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission, and increase both the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, those changes have now come into force in a bid to ensure people on lower incomes are ‘properly rewarded’ for their work.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Low Pay Commission, it’s an independent body made up of employers, trade unions, and experts whose role is to advise the Government on the minimum wage.
As mentioned, the rate recommendations introduced today were agreed unanimously by the Commission.
This means that the living wage, for eligible workers who are aged 21 and over, has now risen by 4.1% from today to £12.71 an hour.
For a full-time worker, that means a pay increase of £900 a year.
Millions of workers in the UK are getting pay rises from today / Credit: John Kakuk (via Unsplash) | Pexels
The National Minimum Wage rate for workers aged 18 to 20-year-olds has also increased today by 8.5% to £10.85 an hour, and then for 16 to 17-year-olds, and those on apprenticeships, the rate has increased by 6% to £8 an hour.
“The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society,” commented Baroness Philippa Stroud, who is Chair of the Low Pay Commission.
“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year.
“The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.
Workers aged 21 and over are now legally entitled to the National Living Wage after the age threshold for the highest rate was lowered from 23 in 2024.
National Minimum Wage rates are available to workers aged 16 upwards.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2024 
