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The cost of living crisis is hitting people all across the world. Soaring oil and gas prices have made basic necessities unaffordable for many people. In the UK recently, the debate has been over the dilemma of "heating or eating". Energy prices have doubled this year for many consumers. Those on low incomes or on benefits face the choice of heating their home, or eating. Life is so hard for some that they do not have enough money to boil potatoes. This situation will be worsened by rises in contributions to the country's health care system. These come into effect next week.
A former prime minister criticised the man responsible for Britain's finances, chancellor Rishi Sunak. He said: "Any compassionate chancellor would want to do something about this poverty.…You cannot ignore the needs of parents who are having to choose between putting their heating up and feeding their children." He added that the ruling Conservative Party could be known as the "nasty" party. More price hikes and food shortages are coming as the war in Ukraine will see the price of wheat rise. Critics want a one-off tax on energy company profits to help the poor.
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