At least 50% of people in Norfolk have cut back on heating and electricity, says TUC
This figure rose to over 60% in North Norfolk
Last updated 12th Jan 2023
At least half of us across Norfolk have cut back on the amount of hot water, heating and electricity we're using.
It's according to research from the Trades Union Congress, who found this rose figure to over 60% in North Norfolk.
Meanwhile, Citizens Advice found over 3 million people in the UK ran out of credit on their prepayment meter last year.
"It's 90% higher than we did in the December of last year"
Helen Gilbert is the project manager of King's Lynn foodbank.
She says it's having a profound impact:
"A lot of people are getting themselves into debt over the costs related to this time of year.
"It then takes a fair bit of time to pay that back and try to get yourself some savings in place, so that you have a little buffer for next winter.
"Last month we fed 874 people which is a record high for us and it's 90% higher than we did in the December of last year.
"It's far higher than we anticipated and it just goes to show the level of need."
"We've gone through most of that just in the last couple of months"
Ms Gilbert told us they're coping with rising demand:
"We have been very, very fortunate that we got a lump sum given to us before Christmas by King's Lynn borough council.
"This was done to help us provide energy support for people, and we've gone through most of that just in the last couple of months.
"The people of West Norfolk are very, very generous. A lot of people have donated food and money to us."