People in Scotland could be spending over £1000 extra a year on energy and food due to the UK's ongoing cost of living crisis.
Consumer champion Which? carried out extensive research with more than 1,000 people in Scotland to uncover and understand the key issues being faced by them - and the rising cost of living across Scotland came out on top.
Which? estimates that consumers in Scotland will spend an additional £21.13 per week on food and energy in April 2022 compared to March 2020 - amounting to around £1,100 extra per year, with Which? warning that "further predicted price increases across a range of goods and services are only likely to increase the financial pressure on many households".
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Nearly nine in 10 (86%) said they were worried about energy prices, a huge increase on the nearly six in 10 (59%) who were worried last year. Concern about fuel and food prices was also very high (81% and 77% respectively), again a major increase on the last year when just over half (52%) and six in 10 (63%) were concerned about food and fuel.
Some consumers are already being affected by higher prices - two-thirds (67%) told Which? they had noticed higher food prices, and over half (55%) had experienced an increase in the price they pay for energy. Roughly one in six (16%) consumers in Scotland reported that their energy company had gone bust.
To offset the impact of higher energy prices, nearly half (46%) of people said that they had put the heating on less, whilst four in 10 (39%) had reduced their use of lights and appliances around the home.
Many consumers in Scotland who had experienced higher food prices reported adapting their behaviour by buying extra items when on promotion (40%), buying cheaper alternative products (49%) or cheaper brands (41%), or by shopping around in different supermarkets, stores or online shops (46%).
Worryingly, one in eight (13%) said they had gone so far as to skip meals.
Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, said: “Our research shows that rising energy, food and fuel prices are key concerns for Scottish consumers.
“Many more households will need support as energy bills and other costs rise in the coming months. Businesses and regulators - as well as the UK and Scottish governments - must work quickly to ensure they are ready to support anyone struggling to make ends meet."
