Family crisis-busting tips are an online hit

AMY SHARPE

JOANNE and Tommy O’Rourke are facing a squeeze in more ways than one, looking after their 11 kids, aged two to 19, in a house with four bedrooms.

Their 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, went up 50% 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.”