Many people in retirement could be among those cutting back on food purchases to cover their gas and electricity bills.

Research conducted by YouGov for Shelter found that 16 million individuals in the UK - or 34 per cent - are spending less on food to meet housing costs. This is an increase of 44 per cent on the figure recorded in 2008.

Furthermore, ten million people are lowering the amount of money they spend on fuel, which is 60 per cent higher than the total four years ago.

Chief executive of Shelter, Campbell Robb, described the results as "staggering".

"It demonstrates the tough choices families are now having to make between heating their home, putting a decent meal on the table or paying for the roof over their head," he added.

These results echo comments recently made by Audrey Gallacher, director of energy at Consumer Focus. Although she welcomed the price cuts introduced by gas and electricity providers over recent weeks, she claimed they are not enough as they are not in proportion to the increases brought in last year. 

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