Cost of living crisis has hit my family so hard I’m forced to use foil around radiators to keep home warm
A WIDOWED mum-of-three has told she is forced to put foil behind the radiator and eat cheap food to save on energy bills – but is still in debt EVERY month.
Kerry Wilks, 39, is among millions of people who are struggling to cope with soaring bills amid the cost of living crisis – and fears the worse is yet to come.
The mum from Middlesbrough has to get by on Universal Credit to care for her son, feed her three children, pay the bills AND heat her home.
But despite keeping costs as low as possible, Kerry still ends up in debt every month – and has to ask her mum for help.
She told YorkshireLive: “I’ve put silver foil behind all my radiators and changed all my lightbulbs. I’ve done everything.
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“I put my heating on for half an hour – maximum an hour – every day.
“My energy bill is going to go up by £712. It’s all going to spiral out of control and I’m going to be in a massive amount of debt.
Kerry told how despite choosing “cheaper and cheaper food” she still has to “rob Peter to pay Paul every single month”.
The desperate mum added how her Universal Credit payments are “not enough” and after costs are covered she is down -£14.95 every month.
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And that is before gas and electric bills go up further in April – which she admitted is making her “feel like c***”.
Kerry was among dozens of protestors from Unite the Union who picketed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s constituency office in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, on Friday to campaign against spiralling costs.
The furious mum said of Mr Sunak: “He has never lived a day in poverty in his life and yet he is saying he is helping us.”
Earlier this month, Mr Sunak announced another support package to help with rising energy bills.
He said around 28 million households would be eligible for an upfront discount of £200 on their energy bills.
This would come alongside a further £150 council tax rebate in bands A to D.
It comes as energy prices have soared since the pandemic and are set to rise further following the invasion of Ukraine.
This is partly because Britain and the rest of Europe is now limiting the amount of gas it buys from Russia.
HOT TIPS
Kerry’s radiator foil trick means that instead of it blowing hot air at the wall, heat will be reflected out.
The simple trick means you won’t waste energy – adding unnecessary money to your bill.
According to British Gas engineer Joanna Flowers, the trick could save you £20 a year – and works best on exterior walls.
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She explained: “Foil panels can be found at most DIY stores or online and are relatively cheap and make sure heat travels into the room.
“This tip saves even more on radiators on exterior walls. You can even use regular foil if you need to.”
GET HELP
What help is available if I'm struggling to pay my energy bills?
There is help available if you can’t pay for rising energy costs.
Contact your energy supplier first – they may be able to change your payment plan or check if you’re eligible for their hardship fund.
For example, British Gas and Octopus have both set up funds to help customers who are struggling with their bills.
Check that you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Use an online benefits calculator to make sure you’re not missing out on any extra cash.
Make sure to search for grants that can help you pay for gas and electricity bills.
There are government schemes available to help households pay for energy costs.
You might be eligible for the winter fuel allowance or cold weather payment if you already get other benefits.