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.
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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.
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“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.
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“The Government has inherited a huge challenge, but there must be no delay in their action.
Two ‘quick-thinking’ GMP officers praised for saving baby’s life after suffering epileptic seizure
Emily Sergeant
Two ‘quick-thinking’ police officers have been praised for saving baby’s life after they suffering epileptic seizure.
After PCs Harry Moore and Alexandra Higginson were called to reports of a concern for welfare at an address in the Gorton area of Manchester, they managed to save the life of an eight-month-old baby who had suffered a seizure.
“When we entered the street, the baby’s father was already running towards us with the baby in his arms,” explained PC Moore.
“The baby was unconscious at the time with a very irregular breathing pattern, so I immediately took the child from the father and started performing CPR. Whilst performing CPR, I had to give the recovery breaths into the baby’s nose because he had a locked jaw, which I now realise was because of the seizure.”
The ambulance came roughly five minutes after police arrived on the scene.
Quick-thinking officers saved a baby’s life after an eight-month-old suffered an epileptic seizure.
PCs Harry Moore and Alexandra Higginson recently saved the life of an eight-month-old baby who had suffered a seizure.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 3, 2025
After paramedics arrived, they took the baby into the ambulance, where he then proceeded had another seizure, but not long after, he started crying loudly which meant he was back to breathing again.
“I told the father, who was just outside the ambulance at the time, and he was so relieved and gave me a hug,” PC Moore continued. “This is a moment I will never forget.”
PC Moore also praised his colleague PC Higginson, adding: “I can’t state enough how much of a team effort this job was. My colleague did an absolutely fantastic job of passing important information along as appropriate and we worked together as a team.
“Alex travelled to hospital in the ambulance with the mother and baby and I followed separately. Alex constantly relayed vital information and got the details of all parties involved, which was really helpful.
“We hope the baby and family they are all doing well and that the baby is happy and recovering.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Tragedy as two superbike riders die in ‘catastrophic accident’ at Cheshire event
Daisy Jackson
Two riders have tragically died in a ‘chain reaction’ accident at a superbike race in Cheshire.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both died of their injuries following a crash involving 11 riders.
The ‘catastrophic accident’ occurred yesterday at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship superbike race at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
The race was immediately stopped so that trackside medical services could attend to the 11 riders who had fallen.
Due to the ‘extreme severity’ of the incident, the rest of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.
Two riders lost their lives and another has sustained significant injuries and remains in hospital.
Owen Jenner, 21 years old, was treated trackside and taken to the circuit medical centre , but died from a catastrophic head injury.
Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May).
“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.
“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd August 2024 
