Southampton residents anxious over cost of living crisis

The reaction follows as Ofgem announce an astounding 80 per cent rise in the energy price cap, which is set to commence during the forthcoming winter period.

The rise will see the average household's annual bill rising from £1,971 to £3,549. 

Amy Currie, 32, who works as a retail assistant in Shirley.

Amy Currie, 32, who works as a retail assistant in Shirley, is concerned for her welfare.

"I think the government need to do a lot more. I am currently in dispute with my company, which doesn't seem to be going anywhere at the moment, so with this increase, I'm now starting to get really worried.

"I am a single person, living in a one-bedroom flat, and the cost of everything is just getting completely ridiculous - at some point, I'm not going to be able to survive."

Keith and Linette Price, 76 and 73, are a retired couple from Bursledon.

Keith and Linette Price, 76 and 73, are a retired couple from Bursledon, who are implementing extra measures to help prepare for the worsening crisis.

Keith told the Echo: "I'm actually confused as to how the price cap works. It's a bit unclear.

"I'm fortunate enough in that I have a company pension, so we're just being careful about how we're doing it.

"We're already trying to do things like heating water for the shower for half an hour, rather than an hour. I was talking to my neighbour, an ex-navy man, and he says he and his wife always have a submarine shower now - 90 seconds maximum."

As well as becoming economical in their personal lives, Keith and Linette are also eager to help others in need in the area.

Keith continued: "The local church support families, who can't feed their children during the school holidays.

"They've also started doing free lunches for anybody in need, on Tuesdays. I'm producing food on my allotment, to help the local church feed some of the people."

Andrea Garraway, 49, lives in Maybush.

Andrea Garraway, 49, lives in Maybush, and works as a health care assistant for the NHS.

"The situation is getting worse and worse," she said.

"Last week I had to ask for extra benefits - I live by myself with my son, and hardly have any money until I get paid next week.

"What makes me sick in Southampton, is that there's no activities for children or sports centre, there are just shops, restaurants and bars.

"The other day, me and my mom took my son to Eastleigh for the paddling pool at Flemming Park, and that was the only free thing there. It's getting bad. I think it's really disgusting."

Stefania Nunca, a 25-year-old student living in central Southampton

Stefania Nunca, a 25-year-old student living in central Southampton, is finding it hard to balance university demands with growing living costs.

Stefania said: "I think the situation is getting more and more difficult. People are already struggling to pay the rent.

"Something needs to be done to improve the quality of life. It's quite hard as a student to pay your rent, which is quite high compared to other countries - food is expensive; electricity is getting higher and higher. It has a huge impact on everyone."

She added: "I work part time and ask myself 'what's left?' and there is nothing. I'm trying to work more hours, but then I don't have enough time to study - that's a struggle at the moment."

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