Cost of Living

Two in five Brits forced to choose between food or paying bills

Research reveals that Brits are worried about their financial situation over the next three months.

Two in five people had to make the decision between buying food versus paying household bills, new research by Post Office reveals.

The figures reveal that 41% of this group have gone without food to feed other members of their family at some point over the past 12 months.

The research shows the impact of inflation, as 38% of Brits have had to reduce spending on either food, essential household items or utilities in the past three months. Three-quarters (75%) of these people have done so due to the increased cost of living, including higher food prices and rising energy bills.

In addition, the data reveals 76% of people who had to reduce their spending are also worried about their financial situation over the next three months.

Emma Revie, Chief Executive of anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust, said: “Over the last five years, we have seen more and more people struggling to afford the essentials – such as food and clothing – for their families. Figures from our food bank network reveal more than 5,100 emergency food parcels were provided for people every day from April to September last year, and with the looming cost of living crisis, need for food banks looks set to increase.”

To help ease the pressure on struggling families, the Post Office is donating 1p for every cash withdrawal made in any of its 11,500 branches to the Trussell Trust, which supports a nationwide network of more than 1,300 food banks, until 31 March 2022.

Laura Joseph, Customer Experience Director at Post Office, added: “Millions of people will be paying bills over the counter at their local Post Office in the coming months and many of these customers may be facing very difficult financial decisions and need support from organisations like the Trussell Trust.”