Money Wellness
Unplugging the fridge
category iconbenefits
category iconcost of living
calendar icon14 Nov 2023

Cost-of-living crisis forces millions of households to risk their health by turning off fridges or freezers

Around two million low-income households have turned off their fridge or freezer at some point during the cost-of-living crisis to try and reduce the amount they’re spending, it has been revealed.

A survey by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) showed one in six (17%) of low-income households had gone against medical advice and risked food poisoning in a bid to cut their bills.

Almost half (46%) said they’d switched off their fridge or freezer for the first time in the past six months, suggesting the situation is as severe as ever for a lot of people.

Inadequate universal credit

The survey also found 84% of all households on universal credit went without essentials including food, heating and adequate clothing in the six months to October 2023.

Other findings

  • 24% of low-income households have debt they took out to pay for food
  • 33% of low-income households have sold belongings to help cover rising costs
  • 15% of low-income households have used a warm bank to cut their heating costs

Call for government action

JRF is calling on the government to use the autumn statement to announce a benefits increase in line with rising prices.

Unconscionable

Peter Matejic from JRF said:

“It's unconscionable that the government is reportedly considering cutting struggling families' benefits to fund tax cuts.

"In the upcoming Autumn Statement benefits must be increased in line with inflation and LHA must be unfrozen to support private renters with their housing costs.

"Government should also make sure that universal credit, at a minimum, always enables people to afford the essentials.” 

Avatar of Rebecca Routledge

Rebecca Routledge

A qualified journalist for over 15 years with a background in financial services. Rebecca is Money Wellness’s consumer champion, helping you improve your financial wellbeing by providing information on everything from income maximisation to budgeting and saving tips.

Related posts

benefits

04 Dec 2023

DWP Christmas bonus due today

Find out if you’re entitled to a payment from the DWP to help towards bills this festive season

benefits

27 Nov 2023

Government plans to check benefit claimants’ bank accounts

A campaign group has described government plans to monitor the bank accounts of benefit claimants as "dangerous for everyone".

benefits

27 Nov 2023

Millions of pensioners to get £600 winter support from today – find out if you’re eligible

Pensioners will start receiving payments of up to £600 in their bank accounts from today to help with winter bills

Housing

22 Nov 2023

Our thoughts on the autumn statement

Sebrina McCullough, head of external relations here at Money Wellness, has responded to today's autumn statement by saying there's more work to be done.

Average Customer Rating:
4.9/5
Independent Service Rating based on 4013 verified reviews. Read all reviews