Cash-strapped homeowners living in one of the UK's 'most deprived' areas have been hit so hard by the rising household, food and fuel bills that some no longer turn their cookers on daily.
Brits are being clobbered by rocketing energy bills, rising inflation and hikes to national insurance from April, while it's forecasted that the cost of essential foods such as bread, potatoes and pasta is likely to rise by between 4% and 50% over the coming months.
According to a think-tank, every UK household could soon be £1,000 worse off due to the rising costs.
Now, people living in Huddersfield have admitted they are taking drastic measures in order to save money, with one woman even claiming that some families are struggling to feed their children, Yorkshire Live reports.
Anne Wilkinson, who was shopping at Leeds Road retail park, said her and her husband, who are both retired, are having to be "more cautious about what we use."
"We are not travelling as much as we would have done in the past (due to the price of fuel)," she said. "My son lives over in Manchester and when we want to go and see him it is going to be a lot more expensive.
"We are not absolutely sure what other things might affect us until we get the bills in - there is some uncertainty. I am not sure if things like council tax will go up."
Anne added she is in a "fortunate position" but said her previous work as a foster carer means she knows many families who are struggling.
"A lot of families have no food in the house or electricity because they dare not turn things on. Some people are struggling to feed their children.
"It makes you cross because you think to yourself: 'Is it all absolutely necessary'?"
Mrs Greaves, who did not want to give her first name, lives in Springbank Road, which falls within an area recently named the second-most deprived in Huddersfield.
The mum admitted that she has started to batch cook in order to minimise the number of times she used her cooker.
"I started cooking for the next two days when I noticed the prices were going up," she said. "That way, I do not have to stand over the cooker again because I have done it all in one day.
"I will cook on Saturday for that evening and also for Sunday so I am not doing two sets of dishes. Once I have cooked, everything is switched off - that's it.
"Then I only have to use the microwave to warm it up (the next day)."
The mum continued: "My central heating is on a timer and I do not have a gas fire. The only thing I use everyday is my washing machine.
"My house insurance has gone up as well, but it is the gas and electric that is the killer. I think that is what is hitting everyone's pockets."
With experts forecasting costs may rise further, Mrs Greaves added that it could result in increased levels of crime in the area.
"Some people can't eat," she said. "I can see more break-ins this year. Some people do not know how they are going to manage. When winter hits them, I think people will be in even more poverty."
Sadia Rana, who has lived in Springbank Crescent for 11 years, said that her bills had risen for WiFi, gas and electric.
"I cannot say life is 'normal' because I have less savings," she said. "I am paying more than normal so it means I can't spend on other things.
"I think prices will rise again. My son is always watching the news before bed and there are reports every day that prices are going up."
