Cash-strapped families are using egg timers to shower and reusable nappies to save money, a survey has revealed.
One mum said she started using cloth nappies instead of disposables to keep costs down but can’t afford to use the washing machine to clean them. The woman, whose partner is self-employed, said even though she receives all the benefits she’s entitled to, she has to rely on food banks to feed her family and charity shops to clothe them.
Everyone who took part in the survey has found other ways to cut energy use. Some are using extra duvets, more layers of clothing and hot water bottles to keep warm instead of putting the heating on. Social justice spokesman David Hilferty said: “People are changing their behaviours in drastic ways to meet essential daily activities.
About 1.5million Scots households saw their energy bills rise last April after Ofgem hiked the dual fuel bills price cap by the biggest increase yet.