The cost-of-living crisis is hitting hundreds of residents across Buckinghamshire as many worry about the winter.  

Residents and businesses are feeling the bite of rising costs as the prices of goods and services hit a record high in the past 40 years at 10.1 per cent in September.

While the new government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to continue the energy bills cap. the Sunak government reduced the support to six months instead of the two years initially promised by his predecessor Liz Truss.

READ MORE: The names and faces of Bucks criminals jailed in October

Hundreds of residents in Amersham and Chesham have also been hit by the cost-of-living crisis, a survey by the Chesham and Amersham MP Sarah Green conducted between June and October found.  

Many of the 719 surveyed residents were concerned about the impact of cost of living on others or themselves.

While 43 per cent said they were okay but worried for others, 26 per cent said they were already feeling the impact of the rising costs.

Around one in four were able to pay their bills but only by cutting back on other spending, while 27 per cent of drivers said rising petrol prices made them use their car “much less.”

Twenty-three residents revealed they may not be able to pay their bills at all.

Of the local business owners, 160 responded to the survey.

Around one in five business owners said they’ve been hit by a reduction of orders and clients, while one in five were facing closure.  

Sarah Green commented: “It has been clear for some time that the cost-of-living crisis is causing hardship for people across the country.

“However, the responses to this survey are shocking.

“They demonstrate the devastating extent of the choices facing people here in Chesham and Amersham.

“It was heartbreaking to read testimonies of families skipping meals, turning the heating off and lighting their homes with candles in order to make ends meet. It is appalling that the crisis has reached this point.”

More than 60 per cent of Amersham and Chesham residents wanted the government to target gas and oil companies, who made bumper profits, with a one-off levy, the survey found.

Suggestion to scrap the National Insurance hike for people on lower incomes was supported by 40 per cent, while around 53 per cent wanted to see cut taxes on consumer gas purchases to heat homes and businesses.

Sarah Green added: “It is time for the Government to get a grip and take meaningful action now to avoid tragedy this winter.”

Rishi Sunak is due to deliver his business statement on November 17, weeks later than initially promised.

READ MORE: Bourne End Chilterns Manor care home gets new QCQ rating