'I can't afford to turn the oven on': 7.4m households struggling to buy essentials
As Andy Burnham promises “breathing space” for households, millions are unable to buy items such as clothing, heating and food.
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The Joseph Rowntree Foundation reports a record 62% of low-income families—7.4 million households—cannot afford essentials like clothing, heating, and food, with nearly half skipping meals or cutting portions. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to provide "breathing space" by cutting VAT on electricity bills from October. The article highlights 77-year-old Elaine Yates, who avoids using her oven and relies on toast and cereal due to tight finances.