Energy bills have increased by 54% during lockdown, while weekly food shops hit nearly £100 for some Brits

Since being in lockdown, people across the UK have seen their monthly household bills and everyday spending increase by more than £300, on average.

A new study by Confused.com found Brits are spending more on their outgoings, such as energy bills and food shops, since being under lockdown. This is despite one in six (16%) being on a reduced income. According to the research, the average monthly energy bill per household sat at £67. But, since people are now spending more time at home, nearly a third (32%) have noticed this increase, forking out an extra £36 (57%) per month, on average.

Similarly, people are spending significantly more on food shops with some now paying an eye-watering £98 per week to fill their fridges. Before, the average weekly food spend cost just £61. Yet, more than half (57%) of Brits have noticed an increase and are now spending £38 more, per week, on average.

The research also suggests it isn’t just necessities people are digging deeper into their pockets to pay for. More than one in five (22%) Brits are spending £67 more on home improvements per month, while a third (33%) are spending £43 more per month on feel-good treats for themselves, on average. One in eight (13%) are even giving themselves a new lockdown wardrobe and spending £45 more on clothes and shoes per month, on average.

Although, isn’t just the usual monthly outgoings which have increased for many people. In fact, the research shows more than a quarter (27%) of Brits have splashed out on a big purchase recently, including a new PC (30%), new garden furniture (23%) or a new TV (20%) – no doubt all of which will help them get through these tough times. And for some, lockdown has been the perfect excuse with one in four (26%) admitting they wouldn’t have bought it otherwise.

With the glorious weather we have been experiencing recently, more than a third (37%) have bought a new hot tub or paddling pool. However, more than half (56%) hadn’t considered the amount of energy it would use up. One in two (51%) admit they’ve seen their energy bill increase since the purchase, while one in five (20%) have seen their water bill shoot up.

But with people spending more time at home they need to find ways to keep themselves occupied. Nearly half (46%) of Brits have binge-watched television, and people are using items such as their kettle or games console much more often. One in five (19%) adults even admit to leaving the TV on for long periods of time, despite not actually watching it. And it’s small things like this which will inevitably increase energy bills, without you realising. But how can people keep their energy consumption down? This is something which has caused confusion for some Brits. Confused.com expert advice suggests there are things people can do, and it can be small steps around the house such as turning off unused lights or switching to LED.

One key thing Confused.com urges people to watch out for is plugged-in items left on standby, otherwise known as ‘vampire appliances’. Confused.com research found that these items can drain 135,000 hours of electricity per household per year – contributing to £68 (6%) of the yearly energy bill(2). And given more than one in seven (15%) Brits admit they always leave items on standby, there are savings to be made by flicking the switch. Confused.com’s energy consumption calculator can help people to understand just how much leaving items such as TVs, chargers or microwaves on standby can add to their energy bill.