Keeping the heat on - the pinch in our pockets intensifies
Inflation soars to the highest rate in 30 years - now to 5.4% - as the cost of living squeeze intensifies. Sadie Shard runs a 20-bed hotel and is struggling to manage the bills.
The cost of living has jumped again. Inflation has soared to 5.4% in the 12 months to December, its fastest pace for 30 years. It’s no surprise to find that the biggest factor pushing up the cost of everything we buy is heating, as gas and electricity prices have increased so much in recent months. The rate continues to be well above the Bank of England's 2% inflation target. Separate ONS figures show that average pay rises are failing to keep up with the rise in the cost of living. For 5 Minutes On, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Colletta Smith, went to Scarborough to visit Sadie Shard who is trying to manage her heating and household bills alongside sky high energy bills for the 20-bed hotel she runs.
