Helen Somers, 52, is facing £500 in gas and electricity bills for January (Image: PA)

The threat to life is crippling families across the UK, with one aide explaining that she lives on “one meal a day” to avoid it.

Helen Sommers, 52, from Bingley, West Yorkshire, has myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and said she could pay more than £500 a month for gas and electricity.

Of the emotional toll it has taken on him, he said: I’m really bad at this.

“Every day I check my bank to see if I have a balance. Before you go anywhere, look at every penny you spend, look at the gas in your car. Funny.

– I shouldn’t have done this at my age. I like the fact that my children earn more than I do, but I shouldn’t feel that way at my age.

“I have four children and raised them myself. Now I have the youngest.

He is 18 years old and has an A level this year. We basically live off your tax credits and child benefits. I go home with about £840 a month.

The value of Sharon's life

Sharon suffers like many other families in the UK (Image: PA)

I am currently on the work tax credit, but it will all stop when Charlie is no longer a student.

“Am I paying my water bill or my utility bill?” No matter how much I pay, I owe someone. “

Helen is not alone, as the energy price cap will rise to £3,549 on October 1, a move that will put pressure on households.

That’s an 80% increase in energy prices this winter.

In addition, inflation is on the rise, driving up prices even for basic goods like bread, milk and butter.

An undated file photo of a person adjusting a central heating thermostat has been released as low-income households will have to cut spending three times as much to cover their utility bills this winter, according to a think tank.  cane photos.  Publication date: Sunday 14 August 2022 The Resolution Foundation's forecast was based on forecasts by consultancy Cornwall Insight that the energy price cap could rise to £4,266 from January.  See PA story MONEY Energy.  How to read the photo: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Rising energy prices (Image: PA)

Ellen said weekly grocery store prices are going up.

he said: Cheese omelettes, cheap fast food, but that’s about it.”

Rising energy prices and inflation forced Elena and her family to change their lifestyle.

she said:

In doing so, I have cut down to one meal a day. Not my son, he’s fine, but I only eat one meal a day to control him.

– Wake up, drink coffee, go to work, have dinner. I think I’ll have an apple or something when I get home. I can eat grains, grains are good fillers.

Sometimes I go to bed at seven. As long as the pets are fed and Charlie is fed, you’re doing your job right, right?”

“I need someone who understands the cost of living. Does anyone know how much it costs?

“Someone who really does something, not someone who makes false promises. We don’t need handouts. We all work.”

“It gets worse before it gets better. This is the hardest part. Can’t you see the end and see the light at the end of the tunnel?

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