Cost of living: Which? say one in seven people skip meals as food and energy prices continue to soar

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Finding from the Which? Consumer Index find people are going without meals as they battle the pressure of high prices

A survey from Which? Has found that one in seven people (15%) were skipping meals to try and save money amid the cost of living crisis. The figure is up from 12% just three months ago.

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The Which? consumer insight tracker also found seven in 10 (72%) are putting their heating on less to save money and four in 10 (39%) are using less hot water. The findings also found almost one in 10 (9%) had prioritised meals for other family members above themselves.

Among those skipping meals is Jackie Rudd, 72, from West Suffolk. She told Which?: "The last week of the month, meals are missed - if you have no money for a loaf then there’s no lunch and if there’s no milk, then there’s no breakfast. Basic groceries have gone up to stupid levels - the loaf of bread I usually buy has gotten smaller and more expensive.”

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: "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. Which? is calling on the government and essential businesses to do more to support their customers through this extraordinary cost of living crisis."

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Which? research has found the cost of living crisis is having a major impact on living standards (image: AFP/Getty Images)Which? research has found the cost of living crisis is having a major impact on living standards (image: AFP/Getty Images)
Which? research has found the cost of living crisis is having a major impact on living standards (image: AFP/Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

As the cost of living crisis continues, Which? also say that last month, an estimated 2.3 million households missed or defaulted on a vital payment - such as their mortgage, rent, credit card, or bill payment. The consumer champion is also calling on essential businesses – such as supermarkets, energy and telecom providers – to ensure that people have access to the best value products and services across the UK.

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