PEOPLE in Southampton have called for the government to “step in and do something” in light of a predicted recession in the UK this autumn.

The Bank of England has predicted that the UK is to experience its worst recession since 2008, as interest rates rise to 1.75 per cent.

The rate of inflation has also risen to 9.4 per cent - the highest level for more than 40 years.

Hythe resident, Yvonne Schonling, said: “Food shops are getting more expensive. It doesn’t make me happy but you just have to put up with it, you can’t do anything, can you?

The 71-year-old added: “The government could give a better state pension, compared to other countries we are quite poor in that department.”

Daily Echo: Yvonne SchonlingYvonne Schonling

The cost of living is also being affected by an expected rise in energy bills in October.

The maximum amount that energy suppliers can charge, called the energy price cap, can now rise every three months.

Steve Veal, 63, from Southampton, told of how his gas bill has nearly doubled, going from £60 a month to £115.

“I think the government has got to step in and do something. Shopping and fuel has gone up. I’ve got a bike now, but I used to pay £10 to fill up the car, now it’s about £19,” said Steve.

Daily Echo: Steve VealSteve Veal

He added: “ I don’t think we should all pay the price for it, we have to get out of the Covid debt, but they put it up to the normal working person. We are the ones who feel the effect of it.”

Ceri Sanders, 23, from Southampton, said: “It’s ridiculous. We should not be getting to a point like this. I think if the government were better prepared during Covid, we would not be getting to the point that we are now.

“Thankfully, the rising cost of living has not affected me too much but I would be happy if my wages were raised too.

“Taxes are being raised at an all-time high. If we lower taxes,  I reckon we might get somewhere.”

Meanwhile, others shared their concerns about food shortages that some UK supermarkets have been experiencing.

Janice Barnes, 79, from Southampton, said: “What worries me is that the shelves are empty, especially at the supermarket.

Daily Echo: Janice BarnesJanice Barnes

“I haven’t got a car so the cost of petrol has not affected me, and my house is all paid for.

“Food shops going up does worry me, it makes you feel a bit fed up now. Something should be done, but I don’t know what.”

Daily Echo: John WoodJohn Wood

John Wood believes, 78, believes rising prices are necessary for the country’s covid debts to be paid back.

He said: “I am retired on a fixed pension so it is going to happen, but what can you do? I’m not happy about it but it’s a fact of life. I used to fill my car up for £50, it now costs me £80.

Originally from Hertfordshire, he said: “Things go up but we are fortunate to be able to afford it at the moment.

“All the things we have borrowed during Covid somehow need to be paid back so taxes are going to go up to cover the cost. I think our grandchildren are going to be paying for it.”

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