A WOMAN says she has to go without food so she can feed her cat and pay for the cost of energy.
Katy, from Leeds, says she has just 20p on her electricity meter and no gas, while having to visit a foodbank to keep going – but her beloved 11-year-old tabby always comes first.
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She is urging other people to reach out if they are struggling, saying the foodbank at St Peter’s Church in Bramley is a “godsend” and a “blessing”.
Katy, 41, told Leeds Live: “Things have started to take a toll, shall we say. The rising costs of everything is dreadful.”
She added: “I’ve made sure my cat’s alright. Every time I get paid, I always get her enough food and cat litter but it means sometimes I’m going without.
“So, without the foodbank, I wouldn’t have any food. My cat is going to be loving it when I go home. They’ve given me a couple sachets of cat food.”
Katy, who has a diploma in animal care and wants to work in that field, says she cannot apply for basic animal-related jobs – even “shovelling s***” – because of missing GCSE grades at A to C level.
She received pet food and a fuel voucher from the foodbank, and urged others to not “let pride stand in your way” if they need help.
The Trussell Trust, which provides foodbanks across the country, has said 36,000 emergency food parcels were distributed in Leeds last year alone, with more than a third of these for children.
Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by seven percent in the year to January 2024, according to the Consumer Prices Index.
This is lower than peak prices in March last year, which saw the inflation rise to 19.2 per cent – the highest annual rate seen for 45 years.
Currently four in ten energy bill payers are struggling to afford payments, adds the Office for National Statistics.
Its survey also revealed that 44 percent of adults are cutting back on energy consumption because of the rising cost of living.
Katy added that a lot of her neighbours in her estate also struggle with animals. Katy said: “It’s a very difficult situation to be in as you’re choosing between yourself or your animal.”
Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, food banks in the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide network distributed more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels to people facing hardship.
This is an increase of 94 per cent over the past five years. More than 1.1 million of these parcels were distributed for children.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE are a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Laura Chalmers, Area Manager for the Trussell Trust in Yorkshire, said: “Last year, Trussell Trust food banks in Leeds distributed close to 36,000 emergency food parcels, more than a third of these were for children.
“Food banks and their staff and volunteers across Leeds and Yorkshire work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who is referred to a food bank receives emergency food, support and advice.
“Our community of food banks are here to help anyone who is struggling to afford the essentials.
“If someone is in a position where they feel they need the support of a food bank, they should visit our website, get the details of their local food bank, and call them to discuss how they can help.
“No one should be afraid to seek support and everyone will be warmly welcomed.”
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Exact date you should turn your heating on
The exact date Britons should turn on their heating in order to maximise energy bill savings was revealed.
Online heating experts BestHeating crunched weather data from the last six years to determine when it’s most timely.
The NHS has advised Britons to switch the heating on when temperatures dip below 15C.
This is because cooler temperatures can pose a health risk, particularly for older people.
According to BestHeating’s analysis of weather data from the Met Office, Brits can expect temperature to dip below the 15C mark for good from November 17.
Beyond that date, temperatures aren’t expected to climb back over 15C.
It’s a lot later than last year’s prediction of October 20, giving Brits the chance to save some extra coin on bills.
BestHeating expert Jess Steele said most people will start feeling the chill and need heating from that time, Wales Online reports.
Jess said: “Whilst there isn’t an optimum time to switch heating on, our research shows that once temperatures are below 15C, often around October or November, it is best to turn the heating on as we feel the chill more.
“By the end of the month, even the hardiest among us will have our heating on to keep warm as temperatures are predicted to drop further.”
It’s tempting to hold off for as long as possible amid the cost-of-living crunch, but Jess cautions against maintaining too much of a stiff upper lip.