Consumers cutting back on food spending, forced to choose between heating and eating: ONS

Consumers have begun cutting back on food spending and reduced their use of gas and electricity at home, stated a recent report, suggesting some of the poorest in Britain are being forced to make tough choices between heating and eating amid growing concerns over the impact of soaring prices.

According to an extensive survey of more than 13,000 adults in Great Britain, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as many as 83 percent saw an increase in their cost of living this month, up from 62 percent in November.

As utility bills and the weekly shop became more expensive, the ONS said 34 percent of those reporting rising living costs said they were using less gas and electricity at home, while 31 percent said they were spending less on food. Half have cut back on non-essentials, said the report.

Household gas and electricity bills are expected to rise by 54 percent from Friday (1), with charities warning of a sharp rise in poverty levels without further government support for the poorest families.

Average band D council tax bills in England are also expected to go up by £67 on Friday to almost £2,000 a year.

The country is witnessing 6.2 percent decade-high inflation rate while Bank of England expects inflation to hit 8 percent this spring and it could rise close to 10 percent later this year.

Moreover, official forecasts show Britain is on track this year for the biggest annual hit to living standards since modern records began in 1956.

ONS figures come couple of days after  a new survey from FareShare revealed that three quarters of food banks have seen an increase in demand. Out of the 1,200 charities that took part in the survey, 90 percent said their work is being impacted by the cost of living crisis.

Inflation is a major factor pushing consumers towards food banks, with 64 percent of users stating that higher food prices was their reason for visiting, while 52 percent said rising energy bills were also a factor.