‘My spending has gone up, not down, in lockdown’ There are few benefits from lockdown, but one often touted is that people are managing to save a little money: lower transport costs, fewer shop-bought office lunches, cheaper childcare costs and no foreign holidays. Single mum Caroline Rice gives a wry smile when asked if she’s managed to squirrel away extra cash over the past few months during pandemic restrictions. “My spending is up,” she says. “The heating costs are higher because it’s very cold. I’m having to shop locally because of lockdown, where the prices are slightly higher. The nearest Asda is 12 miles away.”