Energy price rise takes toll on Southampton residents

People across the city have told the Daily Echo their bills have doubled in recent months meaning that they can no longer afford to heat their homes and pay for groceries.

It comes as energy regulator Ofgem announced yesterday the energy bill price cap in the UK will rise by 54 per cent in April, meaning prices will go up by £693 a year for millions.

• Energy price cap increase: UK households to pay £1,971 from April after Ofgem announcement

The increase follows a 12 per cent rise in October and comes as concerns have been raised that fees could increase even further.

Now residents say they are at a loss as to what to do as they are already struggling.

Debbie Barnes.

Debbie Barnes, 56, from Hythe said she and her husband have to choose between eating food and heating their home for the past six months.

She said: "We're on a pre-paid meter and we're putting in double a week compared to what we used to.

"We're just sat with blankets in the evening.

"It's not too bad in the day but in the evenings it gets really cold. It shouldn't have to be like that in this day and age."

They usually put about £30 a week on electric and £20 on gas for a week but now that only lasts around four days.

Debbie told the Echo she is unable to work because of a disability and her husband works three days a week and they are currently on Universal Credit.

Vicki Wright.

Another resident, Vicki Wright said the prospect of bills rising further is "terrifying" and is causing her increased stress as she works to complete her third year of university.

The 22-year-old who lives close to Ocean Village has a smart meter and used to pay £60 a month for energy, but now that amount is only lasting half as long.

She said: "There's often times where I have to sit in the cold or I have to keep my lights off for as long as I can or eat food that's already prepared to try and keep the cost of my energy down.

"I don't know what more I can do. It's quite scary... do I make the decision of buying a week's food shop or getting electric? And that in itself is a terrifying situation to be in.

"I'm doing my dissertation and I'm having to now worry about how I'm going to afford to keep my house going and not fall into masses of debt."

Government is offering £350 to millions of households to help with the cost of living.

Around 80 per cent of people will receive a £150 council tax rebate and all electricity customers will get £200 off their bills from October.

But it's not just residents who are feeling the pinch.

Business owners also say they are struggling at a time when they are trying to recover from the pandemic as it is.

Dorothy Martin, Store Director at Rice Up Wholefoods, Hannover Buildings, with a member of staff.

Dorothy Martin, store director at Rice Up Wholefoods, said the business was already struggling as a result of reduced footfall.

But now the cost of running the store is rising too meaning she is facing a "constant battle".

Dorothy said: "We were paying £600 a month and now it's gone up to £1,100.

"It jumped up like that within a month or two. I go from day to day paying what bills I can.

"We're trying to cut costs on our staff and it's a matter of juggling.

"Going forward we're just hoping and praying we'll get more people through once they get used to how much money they've got to spend.

"We've got quite a few fridges and freezers and we did talk about getting rid of a few."

Sukhdev Raj, the owner of RJS International Food Store.

Meanwhile, Sukhdev Raj, the owner of RJS International Food Store, in Eastleigh, said he energy bills mean he cannot bring in a new staff member.

He has called for extra support for business.

"It's ridiculous," he said. "I was paying £700 a month. It's now at £1,800 a month."

Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive and Executive Chairman Ross McNally has now called on the government to act "urgently" to help people manage the energy costs.

Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber Executive Chairman

Mr McNally said: "If nothing is done, thousands of Hampshire’s worst-off households will be in the same position as families across the UK, plunged into fuel poverty and facing an impossible choice between keeping warm or staying hungry.

"Any substantial increases in energy bills will narrow the scope for investment still further at what is a critical time.

"The government needs to look long-term as we emerge from the pandemic. Our members are seeking support and encouragement to play their part in the recovery of the economy, not be faced with higher energy bills.”

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead has urged people to get help from city charities.

The shadow energy minister said: "The first thing I'd say to people who are in that situation is: please don't be afraid to use foodbanks because they're not like you think they are possibly.

"The key thing is to get people in these difficult circumstances either the reduction in their bills or resources so they can do something about it at their own pace."

City Catering Southampton staff.

Meanwhile, City Catering Southampton, which helps to provide free school meals to children across the city said it is "concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living on the local community".

Jessica Clasby-Monk, Charitable Impact Manager, said: "Since the pandemic began, we have seen rising numbers of children eligible for Free School Meals, showing the impact that the past few years is having on households locally. Rising energy and food costs is a real concern, especially as the healthier choices are often more expensive.

"We would encourage families to explore whether they can benefit from the Free School Meal scheme by applying on the council website, and to know that if your children are in Year R, Year 1 or Year 2, school meals are always free under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme."