Almost one in four UK adults will not turn on their heating at all this winter, according to a new poll that opposition MPs have labelled a 'national scandal'. The survey of over 2,000 adults found 23% plan to keep radiators off, rising to 27% among parents with children under 18.
The poll, conducted by Savanta ComRes for the Liberal Democrats, also revealed that 70% intend to reduce heating usage, and 11% are considering taking out loans to cover rising energy costs—a figure that jumps to 17% for households with children. The findings come as the energy price cap is set to rise by 80% from October, pushing average annual bills from £1,971 to £3,549.
Liberal Democrat spokesperson Christine Jardine called the situation 'heartbreaking', adding: 'It is a national scandal that parents are having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their children.' The party is urging the next prime minister to freeze the price cap and impose a further windfall tax on oil and gas companies.
Labour has echoed calls for tighter windfall taxes, while the government points to its £37bn support package, including a £400 discount on energy bills for all households. A BEIS spokesperson said: 'The civil service is making appropriate preparations to ensure any additional support can be delivered quickly when the new prime minister is in place.'
