CLEAN : Cost of living bites ahead of budget in UK seaside town

The transcript discusses the significant rise in gas and electricity costs, highlighting the unsustainable financial burden on small businesses and individuals. It explores the broader impact on community well-being, including increased strain on health services and potential government intervention. Personal experiences illustrate the financial strain, with energy bills more than doubling, raising concerns about future increases and the need for more support for vulnerable populations.

What is one potential strategy mentioned for small businesses to cope with rising energy costs?

• Increase product prices

• Close during the winter

• Expand business operations

• Reduce employee wages

How do rising energy costs affect public health services?

• They lead to more people using public transport

• They increase the number of people visiting emergency services

• They improve the quality of healthcare

• They reduce the availability of medical supplies

What is suggested as a necessary action for the government to help residents cope with energy costs?

• Provide additional funding

• Encourage more energy consumption

• Increase taxes

• Reduce public spending

Which area is highlighted as being particularly vulnerable to energy price increases?

• London

• Manchester

• Birmingham

• Blackpool

By how much has the speaker's monthly energy bill increased?

• £150

• £50

• £80

• £120

What is the speaker's concern about future energy prices?

• They will remain stable

• They will be regulated by the government

• They might increase again

• They will decrease significantly

What is the impact of energy costs on people living near the poverty line?

• They experience improved living conditions

• They face increased financial strain

• They have more disposable income

• They receive more government benefits