Martin Lewis hits back at criticism over giving tips for buying heated clothing to keep warm this winter

Martin Lewis appeared on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live to discuss the precarious state of heating and energy bills in the UK, stating that he ‘doesn’t want to be doing this’ as he recommended ways to keep warm by using heated clothing instead of paying a heating bill.

Lewis, the nation’s most well-known money saving expert, had a fairly fatalistic view on the energy crisis this coming winter, comparing it to the energy crisis which took place after the war on Ukraine began and saw a huge spike in bills. This has seen him warn on his website that we could see a 28.8% increase in the energy price cap.

He has come under fire online though for giving these tips around heated clothing, but Lewis has hit back with multiple posts on X defending his position.

Lewis stated he ‘does not want to be doing this’ as he gave advice on heated clothing

The TV presenter’s show sees him respond to viewer questions, with one person named Caz asking him what to do as they ‘simply cannot afford to put their heater on’.

Lewis responded, explaining: “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.”

The money-saving expert also pointed to the charity National Energy Action who can give help and guidance via https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/energy-webchat/.

Lewis states that he ‘hates doing this’ but gave recommendations for types of heated clothing, a guide he said he first created when the war in Ukraine first began and bills skyrocketed.

He clarifies that this suggestion is only if you ‘have to heat the human not the home’, and that he is not suggesting you do this but giving tips if you already have to.

Lewis explains that people can start by layering clothing, putting a hot water bottle in a sleeping bag and sleeping in that, and even suggested putting your feet on the table instead of the floor as the floor is the coldest part of the home.

He also showed options for heated clothing ranging from heated gloves for £12 to heated electric gilets for £30, stating that they cost less than a penny an hour in bills.

He continued: “It’s not the right thing to tell you, it’s not a good thing for your house in the winter.” One of Lewis’ experts James Lacey explains that houses can become damaged by not putting on any heating over the winter, stating that it can cause condensation and damp when there is no background heat.

Lewis finally says: “Protecting your house is important, but ultimately desperation’s stakes, it’s not as important as protecting yourself. I don’t want to be saying this.”

Lewis has come under fire on X, but says that people are taking his remarks out of context

A screenshot was posted with Lewis shown gesturing to graphics explaining how cheap heated clothing can be operated for. The caption reads: “The year Two thousand and twenty six. Take a bow everyone.”

He quoted this post, saying: “Some of the comments missing the context of this screenshot. This was not a recommendation, nor was it the cornerstone of the show.

“This was a response to last ditch desperate ‘I can't afford to put any heat on’ comments.

“As I said on the show we should not be in this position, this is not a 'do it' but it is a reality for some and last ditch help especially with a 25% rise likely to hit over half of homes in January.

“Please watch what I actually said don't judge a TV show off a still image.”

One fan responded to another post praising his show, though adding that they found it ‘uncomfortable’ when he started talking about ‘heating the person not the home’. Lewis quoted this, saying: “I found it uncomfortable to talk about too, but that is the reality for some people.'