Millions of British children are at risk of health problems due to their parents not being able to afford heating to heat their homes properly. An investigation has shown the number of families which have turned to payday loans to pay energy bills has soared drastically leaving many in horrendous debt. Around 3 million householders revealed that they have cut back on food just so that they can keep the heating on for that bit longer. The shocking results of the investigation with the Children’s Society and YouGov show the amount of pressure on families’ financial difficulties with David Cameron still continuing his assault on Britain’s poorest.

Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York said the survey should shame the Government. He said, “It is a scandal that millions of children in this country are being forced to live in cold, damp homes. Parents are being forced to choose between the basics… food or warmth. In a society where all people are valued, whether they are old or young, it is our duty to care for one another. This report gets it right. I hope it leads to a change of heart. All children are our national treasure.” Matthew Reed, Chief executive of the Children’s Society added: “The poorest are desperately struggling to make ends meet, as they face the tough choice between heating or eating. A new ‘heat or eat’ generation is growing up in Britain today, a shame on any government.”

While Labour MP Grahame Morris said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of three years of the coalition government, and the policies they have pursued, that have left poor families in dire straits. I’m really concerned with what’s happening with payday lenders over Christmas. People are desperate. This cost of living crisis is biting hardest at those who are least able to meet the costs and they are getting deeper and deeper into debt.”

The rising cost of living has meant that many people have fallen victim to short-term loan firms, which charge extremely high-interest repayments, the Centre for Responsible Credit warns. Director Damon Gibbons said: “It is often the case that where households include small children or people with disabilities the option of cutting back on heating is not one they are prepared to take. Those families fall under ­pressure to keep the heating on.”