Money expert Martin Lewis has defended his “heat the human, not the home” advice after facing criticism for sharing ways people can stay warm without putting their central heating on this winter. Martin Lewis shared tips on how to stay warm this winter in the latest episode of the Martin Lewis Money Show Live that aired on Tuesday. The show sees him respond to viewer questions. At one point in the show, one viewer called Cass said: “I don’t put my heating on at all. I simply cannot afford it.”
To which Mr Lewis responded: “I think this is a real societal problem rather than just a money-saving problem. First thing I’d say is speak to your energy firm. They may well have grants or help or support, especially if you’re struggling and it’s going to be too cold to survive. If you have to: heat the human, not the home. I’m not saying you should do this. I’m saying we’re talking desperation stakes.”
He went on to suggest desperate tips to help keep people warm without having to heat their entire home, including sleeping in a sleeping bag with a hot water bottle. Other suggestions included using plug-in USB gloves, a heated gilet or heated insoles to keep yourself warm.
A guide was also published on the MoneySavingExpert website where Assistant Editor of Features Sarah Monro lists tips on how to “heat the human, not the home.” The guide includes suggestions such as wearing thermal clothing, electric blankets, layering, and hot water bottles. At the beginning of the article, MoneySavingExpert founder and chair Mr Lewis explained why the team had put the guide together, admitting it was something he wished they did not need to publish.
Mr Lewis left a note stating:”This is a guide I really wish we needn’t be publishing. The reason I asked Sarah and the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can’t afford their energy bills. So don’t see this as an ‘MSE or Martin says you should do this’. It’s more that we’re trying to help provide some options and information for those that may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues.”
The advice, however, has shocked some people who spoke out on social media expressing dismay that people were having to resort to such measures simply to stay warm.
One person on X wrote: “The fact you have to do a piece that’s labelled ‘Heat the Human, not the Home’ tells you all you need to know about modern Britain. Disgrace.”
Another person wrote: “Great show, but found it uncomfortable when you started talking about heating yourself, not the home. What world are we living in?” To which Mr Lewis said: “I found it uncomfortable to talk about too, but that is the reality for some people :(“
Mr Lewis responded to the criticism, defending the “heat the human not the home” advice.
