One in seven people in the UK have skipped meals in response to rising prices, according to Which?
Surveying 2,000 people, Which’s consumer tracker found seven in ten had also put off heating their homes, alongside one in ten who prioritised meals for other family members above themselves.
“It’s hugely worrying that households across the country are forced to go hungry and sit in cold homes as they cannot afford basic essentials this winter,” said its policy director Rocio Concha.
Which? reported the figures on Tuesday, also calling for more to be done to cut costs, after grocery inflation hit 17.1% in the four weeks to February 2023, as per Kantar data.
Concha added: “With energy bills due to rise in April, the Government must urgently consider postponing its decision to increase the energy price guarantee to £3,000.
“For some families, who continue to be battered by high inflation, this will offer an important lifeline to stop them falling into financial distress.”
The consumer advice firm also tweeted urging supermarkets to provide “clear and transparent pricing, access to affordable choices and more targeted promotions,” having launched a petition late last year which has received nearly 70,000 signatures so far.