Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford publish report on how energy price rises are affecting residents

Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford have published the result of a survey of local residents that captures how people are feeling about increasing energy prices.

The report, based on over 160 responses from the local community, highlights the various ways that people are making changes to their household budgets in response to the rising cost of living. Kara Mello-Baron, Research and Communications Officer at Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford explained:

“There was an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, anger and sadness when the previous energy price cap was announced. We wanted to capture these feelings and stories before the price cap announcement on the 26th of August, knowing that people’s concerns are set to grow ahead of the next energy price cap announcement in January.”

In the survey the local charity asked how people are currently being affected by the rise in energy bills, receiving varied responses, from cutting down on social activities such as eating out, to cutting down on showers:

• “I am showering every other day, eating cereal and sandwiches. I can’t afford three meals a day.”
• “I am using candles instead of lights and try to use as little gas and electricity as I can.”
• “In the past, I volunteered at my local food bank. I now go there myself.”

The full report is available to download and read here.

Citizens Advice analysis shows that, based on current price forecasts, 1 in 4 people in the UK won’t be able to afford their energy bills in October. When the price cap rises again in January, this figure could jump to 1 in 3 (34%). The latest Citizens Advice data dashboard continues to show how demand for support is unprecedented.

Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford provide support to those who are affected by the increase in energy bills. With our cost of living webpage, you can find up-to-date information on the government and local council support you could be eligible for, and information on other ways you may be able to save money and maximise your income.

Steve Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford added:

“The Cost of Living Crisis is real for millions of people across the country, and across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford, we’re seeing thousands of people a month who are worried about what they are going to do this winter.

“We know that people are feeling anxious, depressed, and in some cases, hopeless about the immediate future.

“The Citizens Advice service is here to help, and we urge people who are struggling to seek support.”

Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford can be contacted by phone (0808 278 7803), in person, via WhatsApp and through web chat.