NEARLY half of consumers in the north are cutting back on essentials to make ends meet, according to new research from Which?
In a new survey published today by the industry watchdog, more than six-in-ten (63 per cent) said their household had made at least one adjustment to cover essential spending in the last month - up from nearly half (46 per cent) in 2021 and nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) in 2020.
More than 1,000 people in Northern Ireland took part in the research, which was carried out across late November and early December.
Which? said consumers in the north trying to keep up with spending habits from late 2021 would need to spend an additional £42.15 per week - or about £2,190 a year - on food, energy and fuel in December 2022.
It suggests 35 per cent of household expenditure is being spent on just these essential goods.
The study showed 44 per cent of respondents in Northern Ireland cutting back on essentials. That compared to only a quarter of consumers (24 per cent) in 2021 and one in five (20 per cent) in 2020.
It also showed families with children are more likely to be struggling.
Only a third (33 per cent) of working-age parents surveyed in Northern Ireland said that they are living comfortably or doing alright, compared to half (49 per cent) of non-parents of working age and two-thirds (63 per cent) of pensioners.
“I worry a lot about money - being able to afford a social life, electricity and gas,” a 37-year-old woman told the researchers: “It’s a depressing time. Money is on my mind everyday.”
A 53-year-old man disclosed: “I lose sleep worrying about the cost increases of absolutely everything at the moment.
“I try to think about what we can cut out or sell in order to bring in more money so my children won't notice we are struggling.”
And the research found fears over food and energy prices are continuing to grow.
More than nine in 10 consumers said they were worried about energy prices (92 per cent), while concerns around food and housing costs have increased sharply compared to the previous year.
An account from a 59-year-old woman said: “I am unable to buy enough oil to keep my home heated and feed myself. I use as little electricity as possible, for instance, I don't use my lights, only boil the kettle with enough water for one cup. When it gets too cold and dark I go to bed, it's warmer.”
Meanwhile a 71-year-old man: “I am cutting back on everything I can, which means sometimes I have to skip meals or stay in bed to save on heating”.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: “It’s hugely concerning that people in Northern Ireland are losing sleep, skipping meals and sitting in the cold due to high prices.
“As the cost of living crisis puts huge pressure on household finances, we are calling on businesses in essential sectors like food, energy and broadband providers to do more to help customers get a good deal and avoid unnecessary or unfair costs and charges.”
