Julie Prince, a 52-year-old civil servant from Somerset, faces a harsh reality: despite earning £27,000 annually, almost 80% of her income goes toward her mortgage and bills. This leaves her with barely enough money to cover basic living expenses, forcing her to live without heating—even during snowy conditions.
Julie says the temperature in her home has gotten so cold that friends have started refusing to visit. “A friend was supposed to come over tonight but declined when he found out I wouldn’t have the heating on,” she shared. Turning on her heating would mean her energy bill doubling, an expense she simply cannot afford.
“I’ve already cut expenses wherever I can, but there’s nothing left to trim,” Julie explains. She has only managed to do grocery shopping once every five weeks, and she endures the cold by wearing multiple layers and fingerless gloves to work from home comfortably. “I rely on hot water bottles, but they never stay warm for long, and I can’t afford an electric blanket.”
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Friends and family are concerned about her wellbeing, but their support is limited. Last Christmas, Julie asked for thermal clothing as presents to help her stay warm. Her employer also gifted her a terracotta flowerpot with tealights inside, but even that provided little warmth.
Winter months are particularly tough for Julie, as the bitter cold is compounded by the fact that she can’t afford to go out or enjoy social activities. Living in a rural area without public transport, she depends on her mother to drive her for infrequent grocery trips.
Despite working full-time and owning her home with a mortgage, Julie is not eligible for benefits like Universal Credit that could ease her financial pressures. “If I rented or owned my house outright, I could get support, but having a mortgage disqualifies me. It’s a ridiculous system,” she laments.
Julie’s story highlights the growing struggle many face as living costs rise, leaving essential needs like heating out of reach.