Renters skip hot meals and lower heating to afford energy bills

"More than two in five private renters across England and Wales were forced to ration their gas and electricity last winter simply to afford their energy bills, Citizens Advice has revealed. A survey conducted for the advisory service indicates that a staggering third of private renters equating to 3.5 million individuals struggled to heat their homes to a comfortable temperature."

"The charity stated that this dire situation compelled people to adopt "drastic measures," such as skipping hot meals, wearing gloves inside, and limiting heating to just one room. Citizens Advice highlighted that heat escaping from "shoddy" homes was "burning a hole in renters' pockets something they have no power to fix." This follows a warning issued last month by the same charity, which revealed that summer heatwaves left millions suffering from sleep deprivation, increased bills, and deteriorating health in properties ill-equipped for rising temperatures."

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The Independent seeks donations to fund journalists covering reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech while keeping coverage free from paywalls. More than two in five private renters across England and Wales rationed gas and electricity last winter to afford energy bills, according to Citizens Advice. A survey for the charity found that about 3.5 million private renters struggled to heat their homes to a comfortable temperature. Many renters adopted drastic measures such as skipping hot meals, wearing gloves indoors, or limiting heating to one room. Citizens Advice warned that heat escaping from shoddy homes is burning a hole in renters' pockets and adding costs they cannot fix.

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