People in Leeds’ most deprived area are resorting to watching TV in sleeping bags and duvet covers because they are too scared to put the heating on.
The war in Ukraine has had a dramatic knock-on effect overseas with energy, fuel and food prices rocketing as Russia comes under sanctions.
The UK is in a state of economic uncertainty with a higher risk of recession, in part due to the impact of the oversees war, as Russia is the world's third largest oil producer.
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The cost of oil is now at the highest level for almost 14 years with UK petrol prices hitting record highs. The average energy bills could rise to £3,000 annually, according to energy industry body Energy UK.
LeedsLive spoke to people living in Beeston – which is home to one of the most deprived areas throughout West Yorkshire.
The terraced streets surrounding Rowland Road is the second most deprived area throughout the whole of Yorkshire and the 38th nationally, according to the Office of National Statistics.
'We’ve got sleeping bags'
Beeston resident Jane Rhodes, 54, works as a cleaner in The Grand Theatre and lives with her partner, who is also a cleaner.
Jane said she spends between £30 to £40 a week topping up her energy bills at the Post Office, she expects it might go up another £20 each week in the months to come.
Jane said: “It does make me worry a bit. We’ve got sleeping bags and we sit in those to keep ourselves warm so we don’t have the heating on as much. We have it in the living room. We’ve only got a gas fire and we can’t have that on much.
“We haven’t got any radiators - we haven’t got any in our bedrooms – but we can manage. Sometimes we bring our sleeping bags into the bedrooms as well.”
'No insulation at all'
Retired teacher Margaret Bramham, 68, said she often wears a dressing gown over her clothes to cope with the colder weather and save on money.
Margaret said: “I live in a house with no insulation at all. I haven’t got a lot of choice. Living in a back to back around here, most houses don’t have wall cavities as they were built at the turn of the last century. Therefore, there’s poor insulation.
“It’s the same old story, the poorer people are – the more they have to pay because they can’t afford more expensive houses.
“I know a woman who sits with her duvet all day. I tend to have something on that gives me some extra insulation. I’ll usually wear my dressing gown over my normal clothes.”
The former teacher has described herself as one of the “fortunate” few as she’s got two pensions to rely and a hard-working son who lives with her.
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Margaret fully supports the sanctions even though it will effect the cost of living.
She said: “I couldn’t care less, I think the sanctions should stand. They should have been imposed a decade ago! Putin has always been an evil manipulating dictator.
“I’m afraid we’re just going to have to deal with it, aren’t we? You either believe it’s okay for someone to march into someone’s country and cause a great deal of suffering or you don’t. If you don’t believe it matters, then I’m sorry for you.”
'I’m a bit nervous'
Andrew Kerrigan, 25, lives with his dad. He’s not currently working as he’s had issues with his autism.
Andrew said: “I don’t know how I feel to be honest. I’m a bit nervous because they [the government] need help with the economy and especially with what’s going on with Ukraine at the minute.”
Andrew’s dad is currently renting their home and they pay for an energy meter with prices coming at a “tenner every two days”.
During the cold weather they’ve “layered up a lot” but he’s not concerned for himself, he worries about those who are more vulnerable in the Beeston community.
Andrew said: “I worry especially about the elderly because as it’s getting colder, they can’t get out the house.”
As energy bills rise, are you worrying about the cost of living? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
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