SOUTHAMPTON residents have voiced their concerns as the cost of living continues to soar.

Ofgem has announced that the cap will rise to £3,549 from October 1 - an 80 per cent increase or £1,571.

It is expected to affect 24 million homes in England, Scotland and Wales and will remain in place until it is adjusted again at the end of the year.

People have said they don't think they will "be able to survive".

Meanwhile, the leader of the city council says the cap will be "devastating" for individuals, families and businesses in Southampton.

READ MORE: 'We need an emergency budget now': City MP hits out amid energy price cap

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."

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

READ MORE: 'I'm not going to be able to survive': Southampton residents anxious over cost of living crisis

"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."

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

She 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."

Leader of Southampton City Council, Satvir Kaur said: “People are already struggling to cover the basics like fuel, rent and food, so this latest energy price rise to £3,549 will have a devastating impact on individuals, families and businesses in Southampton.

"The Government has the power to help people but is making a shameful choice to do nothing.

"The Tories would prefer to protect large oil and gas companies, while Labour would act to help those struggling by extending the windfall tax on the energy companies’ record profits which would ensure energy prices remain frozen.

"In addition to action nationally, Southampton’s Labour council are also working to make people’s homes more energy efficient locally, so we can bring down energy bills.

"This forms a key part of our plan to help people with the cost of living crisis."

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