Witney pensioner forced to cut back on food and water use as costs rise
Charity warns more older people are being pushed into ‘water poverty’
Last updated 5th May 2026
An 81-year-old woman from Witney says she has been forced to ration her water use and cut back on food as rising household costs continue to put pressure on her finances.
Yvonne Bailey said despite managing her finances carefully, she is finding it increasingly difficult to afford everyday essentials.
"You have to budget so you can pay all your bills and eat and you can clothe yourself, but it just gets more and more difficult because of the constant price rises," Yvonne said.
“Every time you go to the shop, the thing that you bought last week has gone up again," she added.
Ms Bailey said rising prices have forced her to change how she shops, with some foods now out of reach.
"For example, chicken breasts - I have to think about how many meals I could get out of them and how much it would work out per meal," she said. "Is it viable for me to spend that much money? Nine times out of 10 it's not."
Alongside food, she said she has also started cutting down on water use after a sharp increase in her bill from £12 to £45 per month.
“I haven’t suddenly started to use loads more water. I’m doing everything to cut down on my usage of it.”
Her experience comes as the charity Independent Age released figures suggesting water poverty among older people could rise from 750,000 to nearly one million by 2029/30.
Research also indicates around one in five people are cutting back on water use due to cost, rising to 40% among older people on low incomes.
A third say it is already affecting their health.
Ms Bailey, who receives Pension Credit, said she was not eligible for additional support through her provider’s scheme.
She described the emotional toll of rising costs as “awful” and “very depressing”.
“You’re having to think about money all the time,” she said.
At home, she also limits her heating to short periods during the day and water usage to keep costs down, as well as using an electric blanket to stay warm
"It keeps me warm for ages, but I shouldn't have to do that. I should be able to walk around in shirt sleeves indoors, and not have to worry," she said.
Yvonne warns that this is not an individual experience.
“I’m not just speaking for myself, I’m speaking for other pensioners and people with families that are struggling. We’re all in the same boat together.”