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February 2022 - Food

58% of people polled in January 2022 said they have been affected by rising food costs: A survey by Which? has revealed that almost three in five people have been recently affected by rising food prices, while 56% have been impacted by rising energy costs. 

The Which? consumer insight tracker, found that of those who have seen food prices increase, one in 10 have skipped meals in a bid to manage the situation, while a similar proportion (9%) have prioritised feeding other family members before themselves. The survey also revealed that the situation has been so bad for some people that they have turned to food banks to feed their families (3%). 

The survey, which polls approximately UK 2,000 adults online each month, also found that an estimated 2.5 million households in the UK missed payments in January, compared to an estimated 1.7 million in December 2021 - a significant rise.

Combatting rising energy costs

The research also found that to combat rising energy costs, 51% of respondents affected have been putting their heating on less frequently, while 46% said they are making efforts to use lighting around their homes and appliances, less frequently. 

Around one in six respondents (17%) said they have seen an increase in their overall housing costs, with a similar proportion highlighting they have seen an increase in broadband and mobile services costs.

Adam French, a consumer rights spokesman for Which?, said: “Our research shows millions of households have missed or defaulted on payments this month alone. This is hugely concerning as it suggests the cost of living crisis is already starting to hit hard, especially for those on lower incomes."

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