Foodbanks in South Yorkshire preparing for a rise in demand after energy price hike
Gas and electricity bills are set to rise by around 54% from April this year
It's feared more people in South Yorkshire could end up being forced to choose between 'heating and eating' this year.
The S6 Foodbank in Sheffield tell us their services will be tested in 2022-with energy bills set to rise by nearly £700 from April.
Alison Wise from the charity says Ofgem's announcement yesterday will prove to be a 'massive blow' for a lot of people:
"People are wondering where they're going to find this extra £693 from.
"It comes at a time when the cost of everything else is going up, so this will undoubtedly lead to more people using our services down the line.
"Over the past couple of years, we've seen a really high increase in demand.
"When the pandemic started, we had four locations in the city, whereas now we've got eleven locations and we're looking to add to that soon.
"Everyone has been concerned about energy costs and the general cost of living, but I just think the last couple of months have far exceeded anyone's worst nightmare."
The chancellor is offering help of up to £350, including a reduction in council tax, to try and help with the increasing costs.