Cash-strapped families are using egg timers to shower and reusable nappies to save money, a survey has revealed.
Hard-up Scots are cutting back on buying toiletries and sanitary products in an attempt to save cash amid the cost-of-living crisis. More than 300,000 people are struggling to afford basic personal hygiene goods and nearly a million are showering or bathing less as crippling energy bills soar.
Polling by YouGov on behalf of Citizens Advice Scotland found half of Scots are also cutting back on spending by using the dishwasher or washing machine less.
One mum said she started using cloth nappies instead of disposables to keep costs down but can’t afford to use the washing machine to clean them. The woman, whose partner is self-employed, said even though she receives all the benefits she’s entitled to, she has to rely on food banks to feed her family and charity shops to clothe them.
Some people admitted to hand washing their clothes in the sink in colder water rather than using the machine. Others are using an egg timer to monitor their showers.
One said: “I’m using my local council leisure card to go twice a week for a shower. At 50p a time, it is cheaper than using the energy at home.”
Everyone who took part in the survey has found other ways to cut energy use. Some are using extra duvets, more layers of clothing and hot water bottles to keep warm instead of putting the heating on.
Many admitted suffering anxiety about bills and about the impact the worry and living in a cold home will have on their physical and mental health.
CAS launched its Big Energy Saving Winter campaign in December and has managed to unlock £132million of cash for people through social security and employment entitlements.
Social justice spokesman David Hilferty said: “People are changing their behaviours in drastic ways to meet essential daily activities.
“In some cases, that will be sensible cutbacks to keep prices under some sort of control, but there is a risk of long-term health impacts for vulnerable people.”
Citizens Advice staff were told by some stressed Scots they’ve switched everything in the house off because they can’t predict how much their energy bills will be.
One said: “I just need to get on with it and wear extra jumpers instead of making a fuss.”
Another added: “I managed to live like this before when I was younger and I’ll just have to again.”
About 1.5million Scots households saw their energy bills rise last April after Ofgem hiked the dual fuel bills price cap by the biggest increase yet.
All households were given a £400 discount by the UK Government, administered by energy suppliers, which is paid in instalments.
Scottish Labour finance spokesman Daniel Johnson said: “These stories are the heartbreaking proof of what we’ve long known – we are in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis in decades.
“But when we needed them most, our governments were at best missing in action and, at worst, actively damaging.
“Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP wasted months behaving like commentators, not a government.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “Cost of living rises are putting a huge strain on households, with the UK Government’s approach to Brexit only deepening the economic damage.
“Anyone struggling with money is encouraged to seek information on sources of support from our cost of living website.”
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