Strap In: The Energy Cost Crunch and What the Public Is Saying
In a recent study done by Ipsos with Sky News between August 22 and 24, the public is sounding the alarm on the cost of living thanks to soaring energy prices. It turns out that one in three people feels the pinch when it comes to looking at their electric bill.
Why It Matters
Electricity costs have climbed higher than the hype, and the government’s energy cap is expected to tighten even more. That means whatever you’ve already been paying could see a further bump.
Key Takeaways from the Survey
- ~33% of respondents say they’ve already struggled to manage their monthly energy charges.
- Many people are worried the projected rise in the energy cap will only make the situation worse.
- These concerns echo a broader feeling of economic strain, as households feel stretched by high inflation.
What Residents Are Feeling
It’s more than just numbers on a bill; it’s a daily reality. The article highlights that many are trying to cut back on everything from heating to “midnight sunlight” streaming services, just to keep their wallets afloat.
Looking Ahead
With the energy cap set to increase, the report’s findings suggest that households will be working hard to keep their habits under control. If everyone’s feeling the strain, we’re all in the same boat (or the same energy‑tight dinghy!).
There’s a bright side: armed with this knowledge, residents and policymakers alike can explore smarter, more affordable ways to power our homes—whether that’s swapping out old appliances, tightening insulation, or even rallying for collective bargaining with suppliers.
One in three say it has been difficult paying their bill
Energy Bills Are Pushing Brits Into a Financial Catch‑22
Hey, folks! If you’ve been feeling the crunch on your wallet, you’re not alone. A recent Ipsos survey shows that 32% of Britons have found it tough to pay their energy bills over the past quarter.
The Low‑Income Crunch
- 47% in households earning under £20k a year are raising their hands.
- People earning between £20k and under £35k? 38% are saying “It’s getting pricey.”
Kids and the Cost of Heating Up
Families with children feel the pinch even more – a whopping 37% admit it’s challenging to cover those bills.
Worries are on the Rise
Almost everyone is feeling the pressure. 9 in 10 (that’s a solid 92%) are worried about the overall cost of living spike. They’re not just thinking about themselves – 88% are concerned about how it affects their own finances, while 84% care about the impact on their local community.
In Brief
- Energy issues are hitting low‑income households hardest.
- Families with kids feel the strain most.
- Public concern about cost of living is skyrocketing.
Bottom line: Britain’s wallets are feeling the burn, and people are rightfully worried about what comes next. Stay tuned – we’ve got more on how this might shift the economic landscape.
What are Britons doing / do they expect to do in response?
Britons Getting Creative to Beat the Cost‑of‑Living Crunch
Money’s tight and the odds are eating up that cozy Southern life, so British folk are pulling out their resource‑kits to make the pay‑checks go further. Since New Year’s Day, we’re seeing a swirl of changes that can set a few pounds back into the pocket.
What People Are Doing Right Now
- Cutting the social calendar – 54 % are skipping out on pub nights or those “just for fun” brunches.
- Switching grocery hauls – Nearly half (49 %) have switched to budget grocers, from larger chains to local discount shops.
- Reducing driving – 48 % are staying home more to save on fuel, parking, and wear‑and‑tear.
- Keeping the house cooler – 47 % are turning down the heat around the time they’d normally turn it up.
- Using the web to hunt bargains – 43 % are hunting for cheaper energy deals via comparison tools.
Future Moves on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the picture’s a bit more dramatic:
- About 30 % of workers say they’ll be clocking extra hours on their current job just to keep up with inflation.
- Another 30 % are gearing up to sell stuff they’ve been holding onto—whether that’s a second sofa, a collection of vinyl, or a basement of clutter.
Double‑Check Strategy
- One in five people already pulling a shift are considering a second job—worth about 21 % of the workforce.
- When pushing for higher pay, 20 % are actually telling their boss they’re early‑mornings about payroll.
- Those not actively working plan to chase or snag a new gig, with 18 % looking brave enough to step into open positions.
Bottom line: The Brits are rolling up their sleeves, hustling smarter and braving the trade‑offs. Some twist the living room budgets like a DJ and others spin it full of market savvy. It’s the kind of grit that keeps the empire going, one penny at a time.
How are Britons trying to reduce their bills?
Britons’ Energy‑Saving Tricks: A Quick Overview
For the past three months, folks in the UK have been flexing their eco‑awareness muscles to keep those energy bills from blowing up. Here’s a snapshot of what people are actually doing:
Lights, Camera … Action!
- 87% of us pull the plug when we leave a room (even if it’s just for a quick peek out the window).
- 75% shut off gadgets when they’re not in play.
Hater, Meet Your Water
- 67% cut down on hot water usage on a weekly basis.
- 49% forego the heating when it would normally have been on.
Smart Moves in the Browser
- 39% have browsed price‑comparison sites to find a cheaper energy supplier in the last quarter.
- 36% have installed a smart meter to keep tabs on their power consumption.
Paying the Bills (and a Few Extra Ideas)
- 29% long‑term savings go straight toward an energy bill.
- 21% of those working have asked for a pay raise to help cover costs.
- 20% have set up a payment plan with their supplier.
It turns out a simple click, a quick switch, or a tiny change in daily habits can make a real difference—sometimes with a bit of humor and a whole lot of sense.
Which policies are supported by the public?
Brits Are Hunting for Energy Relief: What the Poll Says
When it comes to easing the pressure on British wallets, the public has spoken loud and clear. In a recent poll, the majority of voters leaned heavily toward a few key policy moves that could make an instant difference. Here’s the rundown of the people’s choices, distilled into plain-language, slightly witty highlights.
Top Picks (by a lot of people)
- Freeze the energy price cap at its current level – 65% of respondents see this as a solid safeguard against spiralling bills.
- Cut VAT on energy bills – 57% think lowering the tax bite back on consumption will keep costs in check.
- One-off tax on energy suppliers’ profits – 50% favor a temporary levy to prevent companies from profiteering during tough times.
Other Popular Options
- Extend government-funded discounts on energy bills – 41% support continuing these subsidies.
- Remove the green levy from energy bills – 40% want this fiscal green tax lift.
- Boost support for beneficiaries and pensioners – 40% urge more help for those on the fringe.
All in all, it looks like the public’s cash‑saving compass points toward keeping prices stable, slashing taxes, and tightening the net of support for the most vulnerable. If policymakers take these cues seriously, they stand a good chance of easing the everyday energy burden for millions of Britons.
Who would you trust to reduce cost of living?
Who’s Got the Public’s Trust on the Rise?
While nobody on the poll has broad public confidence, Keir Starmer does a little better than the other potential Conservatives and the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
Trust Levels at a Glance
- Starmer — 39% trust, 51% distrust
- Rishi Sunak — 36% trust, 55% distrust
- Boris Johnson — 32% trust, 62% distrust
- Liz Truss — 28% trust, 61% distrust
Why All of Them Are Under Scrutiny
According to Kelly Beaver, chief executive of Ipsos in the UK and Ireland, the public are feeling the pinch from rising costs.
1 in 3 people are scrambling to get their bills paid before the new price cap kicks in. Families and low‑income households are definitely feeling the heat, but it’s not a one‑off.
“Government and policymakers can’t brush this off. The winter challenge is real, and we need to stop wailing and start doing something,” said Beaver.
So the takeaway? Trust numbers don’t look great, and the pay‑check squeeze is a real worry for many. Time for leaders to step up, or the public might keep shouting, “What now?”
