ON the surface Harry has the typical, loving British family.

But in reality he is just one of a growing number of people on the edge of a 'poverty pandemic'.

The cost of living has reached its highest level in almost 30 years, - making it harder for families to make ends meet.

The 36-year-old cleaner, along with his hairdresser wife Kitty, supports their three children, all under 11.

They receive Universal Credit and live in social housing just outside of Cricklade, but Harry says despite the support and both of them working, the sharp rise in their energy bill has made things unsustainable. 

“18 months ago we were paying between £130 and £150 for 500 litres of oil, which would last two or three months," he said.

"Now we’re paying £400 for 500 litres, which is a massive increase.

“It’s just not possible to cover the basics anymore.” 

“Things have gotten so bad that we use candles in the evenings when the children have gone to bed to try to save power. We worry everyday about turning on our own lights," said Harry.

“People say just get a better job, like that’s an easy thing to do, and others say work more. But if we worked more hours, the amount of Universal Credit we get is cut, so we’re no better off.”

The hike in energy costs falls on top of other increases in everyday bills like food and petrol.

The family now regularly visits a food bank and has sought the help of charities like Warm and Safe Wiltshire to make it through difficult times.

For Harry, who served five years in the military and participated in horseback parades in Windsor, the struggle to provide for his family has taken a toll on his health. 

“It isn’t just the physical side of not having enough money to cover bill, but the mental health side of things as well," he said. 

“Just making sure the children are clothed and fed is hard especially when we’re doing everything we can do and it’s still not enough.

“If you’re struggling to provide for your family, you lose your self-worth, you feel like you’re not in control of your own life, you feel vulnerable and it does have an effect long-term.”

Harry is talking about his financial situation to try and encourage others to do the same as he believes the Government doesn’t truly understand the position families like his are in. 

The Government has introduced a ‘Warm Home Discount Scheme’ which grants qualifying people £140 off their bill for the year. 

“I’m grateful for all the help I’ve received from the charities, and I’d be grateful for that £140. But when my energy bill alone has gone up £250 that doesn’t even scrape the surface," said Harry.

“It is like putting a Disney plaster over a gunshot wound. We need help to enable us to support ourselves. All I want is to support my family."