Food spending and mental health hit by rising prices, BBC survey reveals

People struggling with the soaring cost of living are cutting back on food and car journeys to save money, according to a BBC-commissioned survey.

More than half (56%) the 4,011 people asked had bought fewer groceries, and the same proportion had skipped meals.

The findings reveal the widespread impact of prices rising at their fastest rate for 40 years.

Many people have cut spending on clothes and socialising. Some say their mental health has been affected.

Two-thirds of those surveyed also suggested government support provided so far was insufficient.

The BBC-commissioned survey of 4,011 UK adults in early June lifts a lid on how the economic climate is affecting lives and financial, physical and mental health.

The cost of domestic energy, petrol, and food have all increased significantly in recent months, and the findings suggest more than eight in 10 people (81%) are worried about the rising cost of living.

Concern has grown since the start of the year when 69% of those asked said they were worried in a similar BBC survey.

In the latest results, two thirds (66%) of those with worries said this was having a negative effect on their mental health. Nearly half (45%) said their physical health had been affected.

Day-to-day, individuals are making further changes to manage their budgets. The survey suggests this can be as simple as going on fewer nights out, or getting a haircut less often.

For charity worker Janine Colwill, from Easington, and those she talks to, the changes have been more fundamental.

"We get together with the family every Sunday, religiously, for Sunday roast - but my family and other families are starting to grow their own vegetables," she said.

"Those people who may not have worried about these things before are now worrying about them constantly.

"With advances in technology, I never would have thought that people would be relying on a food bank or growing their own - and just penny-pinching," she said.

The survey suggests people are finding various ways to manage and save their money. The findings include:

About half (52%) expect to work more hours in the next six months to help to pay the bills.

Prices, as measured by inflation, are rising at a rate of 9% a year, the fastest for 40 years. Interest rates, which also affect the cost of living, were increased to 1.25% on Thursday by the Bank of England - the highest they have been for 13 years.

The situation is being driven, to a significant degree, by global factors such as the cost of oil, gas and food.

A typical household in England, Wales and Scotland is likely to see a rise in its annual domestic gas and electricity bill of £800 in October, on top of a £700 rise in April.

All of this has led the government to announce a package of financial support directed primarily at those on low incomes. This includes a £400 discount on all energy bills in October, in addition to payments totalling £650 to people on means-tested benefits. Pensioners will get more this winter, as will billpayers with disabilities.

However, the BBC survey reveals that 64% of those asked said this support was insufficient to help people with the rising cost of living.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said vulnerable households would receive £1,200 which he said was part of a "very large" amount of support, on top of what had already been provided.

He said the first payments would come in July, and would continue into the autumn to offset the key driver of the rising cost of living for households, which was energy bills.

"That, of course, is yet to filter through to people, which is why I suspect people are saying they want more support," he told the BBC.

"As this gathers pace, it will be clear to people that this will be a comprehensive package."

The impact of rising household costs has already led to the financial regulator warning lenders that they need to do more to help those in financial difficulty and support vulnerable customers.

"Early action is important for those struggling with debt," said Sheldon Mills, of the Financial Conduct Authority.