Tag: cost of living crisis

Pet care in the cost-of-living crisis

The most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – the longest running annual survey of pet wellbeing in the UK – revealed 30% of owners worry how they’ll pay for vet bills if their furry family member fell ill or became injured.

With the report also detailing that 61% of cats and 39% of dogs are currently uninsured, thousands of owners could find themselves with an unexpected vet bill should the worst happen.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting all of us in one way or another, meaning we’re looking for ways to save money wherever we can – and this is no different for costs associated with our pets.

“Veterinary treatments can become costly, so one of the best ways to safeguard your furry friend and avoid unplanned vet bills is by keeping on top of their preventive healthcare. The following tactics could help you save in the long-term:

Stay up to date with vaccinations

“While cutting back on annual booster vaccinations or regular flea and worming treatments may seem like saving money in the short-term, it can cause issues down the line. Avoiding these measures can put your pet’s overall health at risk, meaning they may need intensive veterinary care, which can soon add up.

“Keeping vaccinations up to date provides your furry family member with antibodies to fight off serious but preventable conditions. Using regular flea treatment prevents your pet from developing uncomfortable skin problems, while buying products to treat all types of worms including lungworm, can be lifesaving.

The benefits of neutering

“Neutering your pet will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it also reduces the likelihood of developing certain health issues too, including some types of cancer or life-threatening infection of the uterus which can affect unneutered females.

“Castrating male dogs helps reduce their risk of prostate disease and stops them from developing testicular cancer. Male cats and dogs are less likely to roam looking for females and male cats are less likely to get into fights if neutered, too.  Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits will also develop uterine cancer by the time they’re five or older, so the procedure is highly beneficial for pets, big and small.

Watch weight gain

“It’s important to monitor your pet’s weight and take action if you believe they are gaining a few too many pounds – this will help avoid weight related health problems which may require costly lifelong medication.

“The best way to help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight is by incorporating daily exercise into their routine and ensuring they eat a complete, well-balanced, nutritious diet.

Don’t ignore insurance

“Having the correct insurance plan in place will be vital to avoid expensive bills, should the worst happen.

“There are several types of cover and the monthly cost will depend on a range of factors, including your pet’s breed and age. Cheaper policies are often ‘accident only’ and won’t cover anything illness related.

Lifetime cover policies are usually more expensive, however, they do provide cover for any accidents or illnesses (they don’t cover vaccinations or other preventive treatments) as long as the policy is continued, without a break.

“It is a good idea to insure your pet as soon as you bring them home – don’t wait for them to get ill – as pre-existing conditions are not typically covered. If you insure them while they are young and healthy, many providers will continue to cover them as they get older. However, you may find changes to excesses for older pets, so – it’s important to read the policy, so you know what to budget for.

Explore additional resources

“There are lots of free resources available on PDSA’s website, which provide helpful advice and low-cost ways to care for furry family members.

“Personal circumstances can change at any time and if you do find yourself struggling to afford your pet’s veterinary care, see if you are eligible for free or low-cost support by using the eligibility checker on the PDSA website.”

PDSA relies on donations to deliver vital treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.

To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost-of-living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis

23 money-save hacks for 2023

Households are being offered 23 money-saving hacks to use in 2023 as experts reveal the best ways to save little and often throughout the year

Consumer experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have identified useful ways to save cash by completing monthly saving challenges as well as advice on how to knock hundreds off holiday expenses.

The cost-of-living crisis spiralled over the last year and the rising costs of food and expenses have left families worried about how they can manage their finances in the new year.

Brits can save little and often by taking early preventive steps to save their cash, from sticking to a digital budget planner to track how much they’re spending, to investing in a smart meter so they can monitor how much gas and electricity is being used in the home.

Lucinda Fox, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “December is one of the most expensive months of the year, which is why many families are left tight for cash when it comes to January.

“We’ve faced one of the toughest years when it comes to saving money, as every household expense has been rising from petrol to food and of course our energy bills.

“As we head into 2023, we’re offering households simple tips on how to stick to measurable budgets so they don’t have to worry about overspending or be left strapped for cash towards the end of the year.

“We’ve found various ways to save over the next year such as following budget planners and booking holidays a year in advance.”

Here are 23 money-saving hacks from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk to use in 2023:

  1. Digital budget planner

Start the year off by investing in a digital budget planner so you can visually track how much you’re spending and in which areas. This way you can monitor which outgoings can be cut down to help save hundreds off your monthly budget.

  1. Get a smart meter

Having the physical amount in front of you can let you see clearly how much is being spent on gas and electricity. It means you can knock £20 off the electric bill if devices that aren’t being used are still turned on.

  1. Start a side hustle

A savvy way to earn extra cash in the new year is to earn more and spend less by starting a side hustle. This can simply be done from home whether it’s selling clothing on apps or completing free online surveys to earn rewards.

  1. Enter free giveaways

Social media giveaways are also an easy way to grab a freebie. While it’s all down to chance, it’s worth doing as the only effort you’ll likely be putting in is following the company’s social page and tagging a friend in the comments.

  1. Set measurable savings goals

While it’s great to save as much as possible, don’t just throw everything into savings only to realise there’s not enough money left to pay for the bills. Be reasonable with how much you can save and by putting aside a steady amount to start with.

  1. Shop during sale events

January sales are one of the prime sales events over the year, where many retailers knock down their prices after the Christmas rush. If you have family or friends with birthdays coming up, make the most out of the sales to save on the costs.

  1. Book 2024/25 holidays now

When it comes to travel prices, the earlier you book, the better. Many companies offer zero deposit schemes where you pay the holiday off on a cheaper monthly basis rather than all in one go. Have a look at travel voucher codes to save up to 30% on future trips.

  1. Shop around for deals

Have a look at different outlets offering the same type of products, both online and in-person. This also applies to supermarkets during seasonal events where better promotions can be found by shopping around.

  1. Join community groups for free activities

Signing up for online community groups means you have access to wider information about free local activities going on in the area. This will help even further when it comes to half term to prevent overspending on days out.

  1. Sign up for loyalty schemes

Each time you decide to shop at a retailer, have a look if they have an app available or go straight to their website and join their reward schemes. This can result in freebies or discounts on your next visit.

  1. Book free cancellation trips

Booking free cancellation trips can provide extra insurance to get money back on a cancelled trip. This can be extremely helpful if there are ongoing strikes over the course of 2023 that could impact you getting to your destination.

  1. Sign up for email subscriptions

Even if they end up in your junk mail, it’s worth signing up for email subscriptions every time you purchase an item online, as you can be offered exclusive free items or early discounts before they go live to other consumers.

  1. Freeze leftovers from Sunday roasts

Freezing food and meal prepping is always a handy way to save on food costs. With prices set to rise again in the new year, it’s also worth saving the leftovers from a Sunday roast and batch-cooking them into lunches for the rest of the week to save a few quid.

  1. The 50:30:20 split

A popular TikTok trend from 2022 is one to follow through in the new year. When the monthly wage comes through, allocate 50% of it on bills and essentials, 30% on leisure and 20% on savings.

  1. Use a credit card

When buying a large purchase item, pay for it on finance or directly by credit card to build up your credit score. But only do so if you can realistically manage to fit the payment into the monthly budget.

  1. Have spend-free weekends

Dedicate one weekend a month where you’re going to have a spend-free weekend, where you can go for long walks in the park, get crafty in the kitchen with existing cupboard ingredients, or even just settle down and binge-watch a new TV show.

  1. Use fakeaway recipes

A fakeaway is always a delicious budget treat to have on a Saturday night. Fried chicken and homemade pizzas might take a little longer to make but the rewards are just as tasty.

  1. Notepad mystery box

Write down different amounts you’d like to put into your savings on separate pieces of paper and put them into a bowl. Every Sunday, draw out a different amount to determine how much money you will be putting into your savings that week. This is a great way to save little and often, just remember to keep it realistic!

  1. Check for tax rebates 

Often many find themselves accidentally paying too much tax, which can be reclaimed on the Government website. Even if it’s £30 – it’s still worth a look.

  1. Take part in free subscription trials

Brands offer freebies by signing up for subscription deals, whether it’s entertainment packages or beauty products. These can often be cancelled shortly after, so make sure to do so to prevent being charged.

  1. Stick to non-branded foods

These can cost nearly 50% less compared to other products even if there’s a lack of difference in price and quality. Veggies and meats often taste the same so it’s worth investing in the non-branded versions to cut down on weekly meals.

  1. Put locks on banking pots

Virtual banks often allow for savings pots to be locked and only accessible on certain dates. Having the visual lock on display can help prevent the temptation of taking cash out on a frequent basis.

  1. Stick to the plan

Don’t just stick to the budget for January and forget about it for the rest of the year, make it a personal goal that you’ll stick to the saving targets so that the rewards will be greater by the end of next year.

For more ways to save in 2023, please head over to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk.

Morrisons kickstarts 2023 with price cuts on it’s Savers range

– Over 50 per cent of the range has been cut in price – 

Morrisons is cutting 130 prices across its entry-level products to help customers’ money go further throughout the January squeeze.

The cuts include important fresh and frozen products for family meals and lunch boxes, together with cupboard essentials and household products to help customers across their shop. 

Morrisons has invested over £16 million to make these cuts as customers look for help on their weekly shop after the expense of Christmas and as the cost of living crisis continues to impact household grocery budgets. 

Fresh products such as bacon, cooked chicken and cheese which can be used to make hearty meals have had their prices reduced as well as fruit and vegetables including apples, pears and potatoes. 

Frozen ready meals, fish fingers and prawns have been cut along with cupboard fillers like tins of beans, chopped tomatoes and tuna chunks.  Household essentials such as laundry powder, washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets have also seen their prices slashed as have toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary products. 

Morrisons entry level range has 263 products, 28 of which were new additions within the last six months.  This month the range will grow further with the introduction of cherry tomatoes, easy peel oranges, green beans and mixed peppers.

David Potts, Chief Executive, Morrisons, said: “Our Savers range offers customers great value on the products they buy every day.

“We want to do all we can to help when it comes to the cost of grocery shopping and by investing in the range and cutting the prices further, our customers will see a noticeable impact on their budgets at a time when they really need it.”

Morrisons price cuts will be communicated to customers via TV, radio, press, digital display and social media as well as email and online activity.

On the website, the Savers range will be highlighted on the homepage under Morrisons ‘More Way to Save’ section and until January 22nd, the seasonal aisle in Morrisons stores will feature displays of the ambient Savers products in one place to help customers shop the breadth of the range, while the fresh and frozen items will have prominent displays in their aisles to help customers identify them. 

SAVERS PRICE CUTS: BREAKFAST EXAMPLESWASNOW
MORRISONS SAVERS WHITE LOAF MEDIUM SLICED 720g£0.45£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE MARMALADE 454G£0.52£0.33
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE 1L£0.89£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MUESLI 1KG£1.39£1.25
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: MID-WEEK DINNER EXAMPLESWASNOW
MORRISONS SAVERS ITALIAN STYLE HARD CHEESE 170G£1.70£1.59
MORRISONS SAVERS PASTA SAUCE 440G£0.57£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS LONG GRAIN RICE 1KG£0.71£0.48
MORRISONS SAVERS TUNA CHUNKS IN BRINE 145G£0.65£0.55
MORRISONS SAVERS CHILLI CON CARNE 392G£1.49£0.97
MORRISONS SAVERS PLUM TOMATOES IN TOMATO JUICE 400G£0.33£0.28
MORRISONS SAVERS TOMATO KETCHUP 460G£0.79£0.36
MORRISONS SAVERS 10 FISH FINGERS 250G£0.79£0.69
MORRISONS SAVERS BEEF LASAGNE 400G (FROZEN)£0.89£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MILD WHITE CHEDDAR 625G£3.19£2.99
MORRISONS SAVERS CHEESE AND TOMATO PIZZA 270G£0.99£0.89
MORRISONS SAVERS SMOKED BACK BACON 250G£1.25£1.12
MORRISONS SAVERS COOKED CHICKEN PIECES 240G£1.99£1.79
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: HOUSEHOLD EXAMPLESWASNOW
MORRISONS ESSENTIALS MEDIUM TOOTHBRUSHES 2 PACK£0.30£0.25
MORRISONS SAVERS BIOLOGICAL LAUNDRY POWDER 3.335KG£3.30£2.69
MORRISONS SAVERS WASHING UP LIQUID 500ML£0.49£0.37

Morrisons entry level range includes ‘Morrisons Savers’, ‘Morrisons Wonky’ in produce and ‘Morrisons Essentials’ in homeware and health & beauty. 

The price cuts are in all of Morrisons 498 supermarkets and the majority of products can be found online.

 ‘One stop shop’ website to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis

The Scottish Government has created a ‘one stop shop’ website aimed at helping people in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The website includes guidance on the different kinds of support available, from helping families and households meet rising energy, housing and other costs, to details around accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators as well as advice around improving overall health and wellbeing.

It’s important to acknowledge the added stress that money worries can bring and the impact that this can have on your health, both mentally and physically. The website includes information on the support people can access such as the NHS24 Mental Health Hub (available by dialling 111), Breathing Space which is a confidential helpline available by calling 0800 83 85 87, and nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind which shares advice from peers.

There is also key information around support with health costs such as eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses and dental treatments.

When it comes to families and financial support, the Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year to help households face the increased cost of living, including £1bn in providing services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK.

The winter Bridging Payment has been doubled, meaning the December payment will be £260. All eligible families should make sure they are registered to receive free school meals on the basis of low income in order to receive the payment. If they register between now and end of school term they will receive the payment in January.

The Scottish Child Payment has also been increased to £25 a week which can be paid to families with children under the age of 16 who live in Scotland and qualify for certain reserved benefits. There is no limit on the number of children that families can apply for.

Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)

Shona Robison, Social Justice Secretary, said: “I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help. Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.

“No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.

“We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to – it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now”.

Cost of living crisis – Cost of Living Support Scotland (campaign.gov.scot)

Boyack calls for legal right to food as Edinburgh food bank use soars

Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said next year must be the year Scotland enshrines a statutory Right to Food in law, as figures show food bank use soaring in Edinburgh.

The Trussell Trust’s mid-year statistics show that the number of food parcels handed out in Edinburgh has soared by 35 per cent since 2017.

The number of parcels given to children has risen even more drastically, increasing by an appalling 77 per cent, with 10,378 parcels being given out in the space of just six months.

This includes a shocking 3,189 parcels for children in the City of Edinburgh whose parents need urgent support now. Its worrying that the number of these parcels has risen by 29 per cent since 2017.

Scottish Labour have said this proves there must be no more delays to the introduction of a legal right to food in Scotland.

Scottish Labour have long campaigned for a statutory right to food in Scots law. The SNP and the Greens both backed this policy in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, however in May the SNP-Green government voted against Labour’s attempt to introduce a Right to Food during the Good Food Nation Bill. 

Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “As the cost of living crisis piles pressure on households, more and more people in Edinburgh are being forced to turn to food banks.

“Families are at breaking point and parents are struggling to feed their children.

“It is more urgent than ever that we enshrine people’s right to food in Scots law, but the SNP-Green government keep kicking the can down the line.

“There is no more time to delay – this year must be the year we embed the right to food in law at last.”

Trussell Trust Mid Year Statistics 2022-23 – 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022:

Local Authority     Number of parcels for children Total number of parcels distributed Increase in parcels for children compared to 2017 Increase in total parcels compared to 2017 
Aberdeen City1,2733,57697%168%
Aberdeenshire1,2434,315143%149%
Angus3881,335-5%-29%
City of Edinburgh3,18910,37829%35%
Dumfries and Galloway5842,1622681%1088%
Dundee City2,6567,675200%139%
East Ayrshire1,0273,367115%116%
East Dunbartonshire9223,19573%67%
East Lothian2,0585,488217%197%
East Renfrewshire9932,81144%69%
Falkirk1,3344,27644367%3215%
Fife3,1768,397107%91%
Glasgow City6,27115,61413%5%
Highland1,3753,69154%13%
Inverclyde7103,00829%38%
Midlothian1,5353,073225%136%
Moray– –  
Na h-Eileanan Siar– –  
North Ayrshire6202,528-40%-26%
North Lanarkshire1,7334,805250%197%
Orkney Islands11239026%48%
Perth and Kinross1,1393,674125%64%
Renfrewshire1,3084,29013%2%
Scottish Borders10230410100%3700%
Shetland Islands172841  
South Ayrshire1,3294,016130%88%
South Lanarkshire2,7317,84895%73%
West Dunbartonshire– –  
West Lothian1,8005,316169%156%

*Figures compare 1 April to 30 September 2017 with the same period in 2022.

Source: https://www.trusselltrust.org/news-and-blog/latest-stats/mid-year-stats/

Lowest priced food items rising at the fastest rate

Retailers are hiking up the cost of their cheapest food items as the cost of living crisis bites the UK.

Supermarkets are increasing the price of their value items more quickly than more expensive items, according to an analysis by price intelligence company Skuuudle.

In the biggest study of its kind Skuuudle tracked the cost of almost 19,000 items in UK supermarkets on a daily basis from July to December and found that items originally below 75p accelerated at the fastest rate.

These items include many supermarket value range products including biscuits, chocolate, snacks, oils, rice, pasta, cans and packets of food.

Yet items priced above £5 in July have actually fallen in price, possibly as a result of reduced demand for high cost items.

Food staples selling for under 75p have risen by 16% while items selling for over five pounds have decreased in price up to nearly four percent according to the data.

Experts from Skuuudle tracked the price of 18,790 supermarket food products from sauces to cereals.

The figures show a direct correlation between original cost and rate of increase with cheaper  items increasing in price at a higher rate than more expensive alternatives.

Items priced between 75p and £1.50 back in July increased by eight percent while items priced from £1.50 to £5 went up by almost four percent.

Skuuudle generates market-leading data analytics to help retailers understand the markets they are operating in, to continue to provide optimum prices for consumers – in the face of rising inflation.

This allows retailers to compare like for like products and accurately track changes in price of the same items across different retailers.

This level of insight is critical when accurately tracking the price of a large number of food products with many small variables differentiating one product from another.

A Skuuudle spokesman said that retailers have an unenviable ‘balancing act’ to perform when it comes to pricing, having to consider the needs of the customer, their suppliers and the supply chain.

He said: “The changes make difficult reading for those on low incomes who are seeing the cost of many value items increase but who may not be able to benefit at all from the reduction in price of more expensive items.

“This change could well be driven by a reduced demand for more expensive items as more people turn to value products during the cost of living crisis.

“Supermarkets are having to contend with increasing costs associated with production and shipping, while issues of supply are driving costs up further.

“What is interesting is how supermarkets are choosing to pass increased costs onto consumers.            

“Our data reveals that it’s the prices of the cheapest food items which are rising at the highest rate while many expensive items have actually become cheaper.

“It is often the cheapest items in our baskets that we pay the least attention to so understanding that some of these staples might be increasing at a faster rate will help the most value conscious shoppers stay in control of their weekly food shop bills.”

EIS: Scottish Government must reverse free school meals delay to help tackle poverty

The EIS is calling upon the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to delay roll-out of free school meals to all children in Primaries 6 and 7.

The commitment was originally due to be delivered by last August, but a previous decision by the Scottish Government delayed the roll-out. This year’s Scottish Budget, published recently, revealed that the universal roll-out of free school meals for P6 and P7 will now be delayed by a further two years, until 2024.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “Delaying the roll-out of free school meals to all primary school children was a shameful decision, which runs contrary to the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to tackling child poverty.

“This is now the second time that the roll-out of this hugely important policy has been delayed, with serious consequences for thousands of children and families across Scotland. It is also extremely disappointing how this change in policy came to light – not announced in Parliament, but obscured within the detail of the budget document itself.

“In a country where more than 1 child in 4 lives in poverty, and with the cost-of-living crisis pushing ever more families into financial difficulty, it is more important than ever that universal free school meals should be a priority.”

Ms Bradley added, “Although a watered-down, means-tested policy is being implemented for P6 and P7, this will miss many young people who will just fail to qualify for a free meal, placing great strain on families already struggling with the soaring cost of living.

“Means-testing of entitlement also does nothing to reduce the stigma families and young people often feel in claiming a free meal, which leads to many young people declining to take a free meal in order to avoid unwanted scrutiny from others or being isolated from friends if they do go to the school canteen for their meal when their friends not entitled to free meals go elsewhere to eat.

“Universal free meals remain the best way to ensure that all young people have access to a healthy and nutritious meal at school, without any stigma being attached. The Scottish Government claims that practical barriers to universal roll-out are the problem. The EIS view is that young people should not be hungry, stigmatised or left out whilst adults dither over dining chairs, tables and cutlery.

“Direct cash payments to cover the cost of food at school could be made as was done during the pandemic when schools were closed.”

The EIS has long called for the roll-out of universal free school meals for all young people. In addition to completing the roll-out to all primary pupils, the EIS believes that all secondary school pupils should also receive free school meals.

General Secretary Andrea Bradley is a long-standing member of the STUC Women’s Committee, which has also been active in the campaign for free school meals to combat the impact of poverty.

Winter warmer bundles provide emergency help as cold weather bites

As wintry weather takes hold, a winter warmer bundle provided by a charity’s trading arm is flying off the shelves to help people on a low income keep warm and cook a hot meal in the months ahead, while keeping energy bills down. 

The winter warmer bundle includes items such as a thick blanket, oil filled radiator, microwave, slow cooker and air fryer and is being supplied to grant-makers trying to keep people warm and fed. 

It has been put together by Family Fund Business Services, the trading arm of charity Family Fund, the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families with disabled and seriously ill children, living on a low income.   

Family Fund supports families with grantsfor essential items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, sensory toys, computers and tablets, much-needed family breaks.   

The charity used its expertise in procuring large quantities of essential goods from suppliers, to set up its own company, Family Fund Business Services, which gifts 100% of its profits back to the charity.

Phil Henderson, director of Family Fund Business Services said: “For our winter warmer bundle we have worked hard to get urgent access to value-for-money quantities of air fryers, slow cookers, thick blankets and oil filled radiators from suppliers.  

“This means that they are readily, and easily, available for organisations such as local authorities and other charities to provide them for people struggling with the cost of living this winter and seeking emergency help to keep warm and make hot food.  The demand for our winter bundle is growing by the day”. 

Family Fund Business Services secures income through its expertise and collective buying power for essential goods with suppliers. It works on behalf of other charities, local authorities and housing associations seeking to help people in need

It provides value-for-money, easy access to thousands of essential products, including washing machines, furniture, energy vouchers and food vouchers for organisations supporting those facing hardship such as veterans, refugees and those struggling financially to meet their most basic needs. 

Phil Henderson added: “The winter warmer bundles demonstrate a unique business model which delivers social value twice over.

“The expertise of Family Fund Business Services in securing cost-effective contracts for essential goods with suppliers,  means the money of local councils, charities and other organisations goes further to help those in greatest need.

“But its work also helps to secure the future of the Family Fund charity so that Family Fund, in turn, can carry on its vital work of helping even more families with disabled children on a low income.”  

Profits from Family Fund Business Services has helped the charity significantly increase its reach. Last year, Family Fund provided over 170,919 grants and services worth over £37 million to families across the UK. 

Charities share £189,000 national boost from Barratt Developments

— The housebuilder donated more than £80,000 in 2022 to good causes in the east of Scotland, from children’s recreation and sports groups to foodbanks and conservation trusts —

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £189,000 in donations across Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting health, employability and care among many other causes. This is done through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.

Over the last 12 months, Barratt Developments has provided financial support to a diverse mix of charities in the east of Scotland. Totalling a whopping £80,000, donations came at a vital time for many families, individuals and organisations affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

In light of this, the housebuilder made significant donations to a range of organisations which support families in need. St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides world-leading hospice care to those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was Barratt’s main charity in the east for 2022 – securing a £60,000 donation.

Other Lothian donation included a £10,000 donation to Social Bite, a £1,500 donation to Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, which rescues surplus food to make meals for those in need, and Edinburgh Food Project which received a £1,000 funding boost. East Lothian Roots and Fruits, which aims to make fruit and vegetables more affordable and therefore more accessible, also received a donation of £1,500.

Other organisations which received donations in the east of Scotland included Dnipro; which supports orphans in Ukraine, disability-focused Capability Scotland, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust and Sporting Start – a group that encourages young people to get active and enjoy sport.

Alison Condie, Barratt Developments’ Managing Director for East Scotland, said: “At Barratt, we’re committed to using our scale for good whenever and wherever we can. As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, it’s important that we give back to the areas in which we build and lead by example.

“There is so much vital work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we’re extremely proud to have been able to support these activities and help them continue during what has been a very challenging year.

“From foodbanks through to environmental projects, we’ve donated to a variety of causes this year and look to continue supporting such a diverse mix in 2023. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activity, and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.”

The full list of 2022’s beneficiaries includes:

•                  Highland Homeless, Inverness

•                  Aberdeen Cyrenians, Aberdeen

•                  Social Bite, Edinburgh

•                  The Coming Home Centre, Glasgow

•                  CATH, Perth

•                  St Columba’s Hospice Care

•                  Link Living

•                  Capability Scotland

•                  Cross Reach

•                  The Water of Leith Conservation Trust

•                  Sporting Start

•                  Edinburgh Food Project

•                  Four Square

•                  Dnipro

•                  Tenovus Scotland

•                  East Lothian Roots and Fruits

•                  Empty Kitchen Full Hearts

•                  Pink Saltire

•                  Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home

•                  Cash for Kids

•                  Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA)

•                  Perth & Kinross Foodbank

•                  Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation

•                  Trees for Life

•                  Hamish Dear Warm Hugs

•                  Ellon Castle Gardens – Bill Bruce Memorial Garden Project

•                  Elgin Sports Community Trust

•                  Cove Woodland Community Trust

•                  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland

•                  Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust – Seal Beach Project

•                  Dream, Believe, Achieve Highland

•                  The Leanne Fund

•                  Cash for Kids Coat Appeal 2022

•                  The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow

•                  The Lily Foundation

•                  Parklea Branching Out

•                  St Andrew’s Hospice – Thanksgiving Thistle Appeal                   

•                  The Simba Charity                                               

•                  Trust Jack Foundation                                        

•                  Kindness Homeless Street Team Glasgow

•                  Nil by Mouth                                       

•                  CHAP                                                                        

•                  CHAS

•                  Children 1st – Bairns’ Hoose Project                                                         

•                  The Prince’s Trust

•                  Glasgow Spirit of Christmas

•                  Canine Partners

•                  Selkirk Food Bank

•                  Stable Life

•                  Brake Road Safety

•                  The Wave Project

•                  Artbeat Scotland

•                  Earlston Scouts Group

•                  Rowlands, Selkirk

•                  The Difference, Special Baby Care Unit

REVEALED: How much Kevin’s electricity bill would be if Home Alone was set in 2022

KEEP THE CHANGE, YA FILTHY ANIMAL!

New data has predicted that Kevin McCallister would have racked up a £66.19 (or $80.65) energy bill in his three days Home Alone if the film was set in 2022.

Although it was released 32 years ago, in many ways, Home Alone is a timeless classic. However, if you’ve started your Christmas movie marathon already this year, you may be shocked by the HUGE amount of electricity that young Kevin McCallister uses in his time ‘Home Alone’. 

In light of the cost of living crisis, researchers at interiors brand, Bobbi Beck, have analysed the film to estimate how much money Kevin’s escapades would cost his parents if the film was set in the modern day:

The Bill

Researchers calculated that Kevin McCallister would have used at least 472.22kwh of energy in his three days left Home Alone. Based on the average residential electricity rate in his hometown of Chicago (Source: EnergyBot), Bobbi Beck predicts that Kevin’s energy bill would be AT LEAST $80.65 (or £66.19).

For context, in the UK, the average daily energy bill is around £2.70 (Source: Uswitch).

It is estimated that Kevin would have spent almost FIVE TIMES more than the average in his local area of Chicago, where the typical daily energy bill is $4.57 (Source: Energy Sage).

The Setup

How did Kevin rack up such a huge energy bill? We know that Kevin is alone for a total of three days (Source: IMDB) in a huge Chicago house, with six bedrooms and six baths (Source: Zillow). The house is apparently 4,243 square feet on a lot over half an acre in size (Source: Realtor). 

Kevin uses a lot of electricity in his various schemes, from heating up the doorknob with an electric barbeque lighter to using a record player and toy train track to mimic a party.

However, the most significant energy usage comes from the lights, both indoors and outside. During the infamous booby trap scene, we can see that every single light is on, but Kevin does turn them off when he leaves for church (Source: Youtube).

To calculate Kevin’s energy bill, Bobbi Beck investigated three areas of electricity usage: outdoor lights, indoor lights and TV use. 

Outdoor Lights

The data estimates that Kevin would have used £7.57 (or $9.22) on outdoor lighting alone if the film was set in 2022. With each side of the house stretching around 20 meters, around 10 sets of lights would be required, guzzling an estimated 54kwh for the three days (Source: Simply LED). 

Indoor Lights 

Kevin spent an estimated £58.59 (or $71.39) on indoor lighting. Researchers calculated that his home is  2.49 times bigger than an average U.S. house, meaning that they would have an estimated 99.60 lights inside (Source: Visual Capitalist).

The lights are likely to be an older, less energy-efficient model, most likely 100W in the estimation of Bobbi Beck’s researchers. They use 0.1kw an hour (Source: Ideal Home) and, because an average eight-year-old boy sleeps for around 10 hours (Source: Sleep Foundation), the lights would be on for roughly 42 hours. Therefore, Kevin would use 418kwh on indoor lights.

TV Use

Although it’s only a minor cost, researchers also uncovered that Kevin would have spent just 3p (or 4¢) on TV use. One of the most memorable Home Alone scenes sees Kevin watching a gangster film. He has a TV that is typically less energy efficient than a plasma and uses about 100 Watts of electricity (Source: Scientific American). An average film lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes (Source: Statista), so the gangster film alone would use up 0.217kwh.

James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO of luxury wallpaper brand Bobbi Beck commented: “Most of us are currently feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis, with energy costs and food prices soaring. Not only does this impact our day-to-day finances, but it can also change our perspective on things – and Christmas movies are no exception …

“Home Alone is arguably the best Christmas movie of all time, particularly well known for its spectacular festive interiors. But when watching the film back, the amount of electricity that Kevin uses is really shocking! That’s why we wanted to crunch the numbers to find out just how much money he would have cost his parents in his three days of chaos.”

“We investigated Kevin’s lighting and TV usage to find that his energy bill would have been at least $80.65 for three days – that’s £66.19 in pounds. His TV use only cost a measly 3p, whereas his indoor lights have racked up a £58.59 bill. Given the average daily electricity bill in the UK is £2.70, it’s really shocking to see how much energy he used!”

These calculations were released by luxury, sustainable wallpaper brand Bobbi Beck, which provides a number of wallpaper designs to suit a range of tastes and personalities.