As millions of people across the country face heating poverty, financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a "desperate" guide on how to "heat the person, not the home".
Days after the increase of the price cap saw gas and electricity bills go up by 54 per cent, the Money Saving expert tried to give an alternative for people who simply cannot afford to put their heating on because of how expensive it is. Among others, Martin Lewis recommended hand warmers or an electric blanket, reports YorkshireLive.
Martin said: "I felt sad asking my team to put this together, but my emailbag is full of folk so desperate they can't put the heat on, I wanted to try some help. Pls share.
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"Full cost of living survival guide coming soon"
Martin added on his site: "This is a guide I really wish we needn’t be publishing. The reason I asked Sarah and the team to put this together is due to my overflowing e-mail bag of desperation from people who can’t afford their energy bills. So don’t see this as an ‘MSE or Martin says you should do this’.
"It's more that we’re trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues."
Martin pointed out in his guide that it costs only £14 to buy a cheap electric blanket which in turn, costs 3p an hour to run, even in today's climate of rising costs. That equals a cost per week of £1.37 if used for seven hours a day.
An electric gilet, basically a heated jacket, would cost £46 to buy and just 4p per week to run, while USB gloves would cost 4p per week to run and just £5 to buy.
Another consumer expert Jack Monroe reached out to Martin Lewis for the guide, adding: "Thankyou for your vital and heartbreaking service, friend. I know this is taking a hell of a toll on you, please please take care of yourself out here. We need you now more than ever, but we need you well and fit for what’s to come."
Martin responded: "What lovely words - thanks Jack. Yes I'm feeling the pressure, but that's trivial compared to the trauma many are facing being unable to afford to live."
Martin's loyal legion of followers praised the tips, but expressed their disbelief that they were necessary in the world's 5th largest economy (the UK). Jon Wilson said: "Good tips but it's 2022 in one of the world's wealthiest economies & we're one step away from the Universal Credit journal suggesting claimants Google how Bear Grylls went about sleeping in a deer carcass to keep warm. Anyway, hope your Californian holiday pad is cozy Mr Sunak."
