People in Scotland will spend an extra £1,100 a year on food and energy from April 2022 compared with March 2020 prices, a consumer watchdog has said.
The annual Consumers in Scotland report by Which? found 86 per cent of people worried about energy prices, up from 59 per cent last year. Of those surveyed, 46 per cent said they put the heating on less, while 39 per cent cut their use of lights and devices at home.
Which? surveyed more than 1,000 people and found the cost-of-living crisis was the key issue for households. The watchdog estimated consumers in Scotland will spend an extra £21.13 a week on food and energy in April 2022 compared with March 2020, which amounts to about £1,100 more in a year.
Further predicted price hikes across a range of goods and services are likely to add to pressure. Inflation is expected to peak at 8 per cent, leaving millions facing a real-term wage cut while energy bills are soaring, in large part due to Europe’s reliance on Russian gas.
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.”
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Mairi Gougeon, the rural affairs secretary, yesterday told MSPs that ministers were “committed to using all the powers and resources that are available to support people in Scotland”.
