'I can’t afford to buy food' - Cost of soaring energy prices laid bare as cap rise looms

When the money runs out after paying her utilities bills, she relies on the support of her church and local food bank so she can eat.

She said: "I’m fearful about what is going to happen from April. The prices are going to hike up again and I’m dreading it."

'I can’t afford to buy food' - Cost of soaring energy prices laid bare as cap rise looms

Help was at hand last year when Nona received £100 to help with her utilities bills from a Government grant disbursed by Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a charitable company providing debt help and advice.

CAP's Director of External Affairs, Gareth McNab, said: "The cost of living is rising for everyone - but what is a squeeze for some, needing to cut back on luxuries or draw down on savings, is a crisis for many others.

"The cost of essentials - food, fuel and transport - is increasing far more quickly than we have seen in a generation, while incomes are even being cut for the poorest."

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