Energy highs spark cutbacks

As providers announce that gas prices alone are set to rise by up to 60%, Saga Home Insurance reveals that over 7 million over 50s are already planning to make sacrifices elsewhere in order to meet the rising costs. And who do they blame... Government!

The Saga/Populus survey, the largest panel of over 50s in the UK, reveals that 86% of people aged over 50 are already changing their lifestyle to meet the expected cost of rising energy bills. The most common money saving change is to make a conscious effort to use less energy (73%), followed by attempts to improve a home's energy efficiency (38%). Almost a quarter (23%) have had to dip into savings to pay energy bills.

Further research from Saga shows that over half (51%) of over 50s blame successive UK governments due to increasing fuel duty and putting VAT on domestic fuel, and 37% solely accuse the current Labour government.

Top 3 reasons for who is responsible for rising energy bills (all ages)

Successive UK governments (46%)
UK energy companies (44%)
Excessive global consumption (40%)

Saga Home Insurance is offering the chance to win free energy for a year. Anyone who obtains an online quote for Saga Home Insurance by visiting saga.co.uk/house during the month of August or calling 0800 015 8606 will be entered into a weekly prize draw to win the cash equivalent of a years' worth of energy.

For more information, visit saga.co.uk