More than two thirds of people in Wales are worried about the effect that rising household bills will have on their finances over the next year, according to research by Citizens Advice.
Citizens Advice carried out the research to help promote its Big Energy Saving Week, held between January 27 and January 31.
It found that 45% of adults in Wales will have to cut their spending to cope, 54% said they will have to reduce the amount they spend on food while one in three will look for ways to reduce their energy bills. More than two thirds of people said they will have less to spend on time out with family and friends.
Fran Targett, Director Citizens Advice Cymru said: “Thousands of people across Wales are being forced to cut back on basic necessities like travel, energy, housing and food because of the soaring cost of living. So many people scrutinising their household budgets to see if there is any way they can save money so that they are able to heat their homes. We want to help as many people as possible to ensure that they do not have to take drastic action or that they are not paying a penny more than they should so that there is no need to worry about being able to have a warm home.
“It is very worrying to see that the cost of living is putting people under such intense pressure that they plan to move house to keep up with rising costs.”
Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies AM, who helped launch the week in Caerphilly, said: “Rising fuel bills are continuing to drive more households in Wales into poverty.
“Tackling poverty is a key commitment of the Welsh Government and we are doing everything we can to help the poorest households stay warm and manage their energy bills. This year alone, £36 million of Welsh Government and EU funding in our energy efficiency programme will see improvements made to around 9,000 homes that could help households save as much as £500 per year on their energy bills.
“If you are struggling with your energy bills then contact Citizens Advice.”
For more information visit www.bigenergysavingweek.org.uk
So true for most people in the borough, obviously no need to prune your domestic spending if you are a senior officer of Caerffili Council, though. Your pay rises exceed the increase in the cost of living many fold.