A large family of 13 is tightening their belts ahead of winter, as their energy bills double. Joanne and Tommy O’Rourke have 11 children, with the entire family living in a four-bedroom house.
The O’Rourke family's energy bills are now £800 a quarter – double the cost a year ago. The weekly grocery shop, including 15 loaves, 42 pints of milk and a kilo of pasta, has doubled to £760 a month.
Both in work, they fear this winter. Joanne, 39, said: “We’re putting what we can away.” Forklift driver Tommy, 41, added: “Families need more support.”
