halted on Wednesday to deliver urgent breaking news to viewers.
Susanna announced: “So, our breaking news this morning is the rate of inflation went up to 2.3 percent last month according to official figures released in the last few minutes.
“It’s being seen as a significant rise after inflation fell to a three-year low of 1.7% the month before. Higher gas and electricity prices are being blamed.”
Her colleague contributed to the discussion, noting that this update follows recent data indicating that 100,000 pensioners in England and Wales could be plunged into relative poverty by the end of the decade due to reductions in the winter fuel allowance.
The ITV programme then switched over to correspondent Nitya Rajan, reporting live from a community kitchen in Wallsend, where the cost-of-living crisis was the focal point, reports .
Richard and Susanna broke the news to viewers on Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain (Image: ITV)
With the kitchen serving approximately 221 meals weekly, Nitya pointed out that it’s predominantly pensioners who benefit from the service.
In conversation with one of the kitchen staff preparing the day’s meals, he expressed his concerns about the new inflation rates and the effect they will have on the regulars he encounters.
He remarked: “Pensioners are already struggling with the crisis. More rises, how much more can people take? It’s getting to that point where people are struggling so much.”
ITV also engaged with local residents during the show, who shared their personal experiences of hardship amidst these financial challenges.
The show was live from a community kitchen to get their thoughts over the announcement (Image: ITV)
One woman revealed she layers up with numerous cardigans and jumpers indoors to avoid the chill, while a man openly criticized the government, labelling them a “joke”.
He fumed: “The government can sit behind their desks and expect us to be out here grafting every day trying to live our lives and struggling to live it, even though we work six, seven, five days a week.”
Susanna added: “We know that the energy price cap is likely to be going up on Friday. Which means that your energy bills are likely to go up from January 1 next year.”
Richard expressed his shock in response, commenting: “It’s extraordinary, isn’t it? The figures we were just referring to at the top of this hour. It comes from the government, its official government figures saying that 100,000 pensioners are going to be falling into poverty under their watch, incredible.”
Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid halts show for breaking news (Image: ITV)
Viewers of the show immediately took to Twitter to discuss the concerning news report.
One viewer advised: “As surely expected and will go up even further next month! With this and further cold spells, check on elderly neighbors and make sure they’re warm and safe.”
While another voiced apprehension: “And it will get worse….”
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.