Penny-pinching, the 21st century way: are we taking it too far?

A growing number of Brits would rather throw a party than turn on the central heating a few days early, according to a survey out today from TopCashback.co.uk, the cashback and comparison website.

To cut heating bills, seven in 10 are taking the obvious step of wearing extra layers of clothing and, slightly less obviously, moping around the house in hats, scarves and gloves.

Pubs are increasingly being shunned in favour of drinking at home with friends and family. One in ten are taking the chance of holding homemade cocktail nights and, in a touch evoking echoes of Abigail’s Party, the classic Mike Leigh study in embarrassment, to save on heating groups of friends are taking turns to host get-togethers.

It sounds like a recipe for excruciating social awkwardness. Sherry in hand, near-strangers agree that the weather is jolly cold these days before bemoaning the outrageous cost of keeping warm. Then the gentle bragging starts: who has the best deal from which obscure energy provider.