I've seen the new manufacturers recommended price list for sweets and crisps and a 2% VAT rise is the least of peoples worries tbh. Some are going up by a good 8% in January. I've noticed that Burger King have upped their prices by a good 5% this week too.
We gonna get raped.
Then more people are going to have to start taking control of their finances properly. Most people can make incredible savings if they only try, be it in gas/electric bills, food shopping, gadgets etc.
Instead of buying a Bluray or game on release wait a month. Apart from key titles (SC2 MW2 GT5 etc) the price will drop fast.
Instead of going shopping twice a week go once, you'll buy half as much "fun" food which is usually eaten within 24 hours of buying it and again save money including fuel.
Fit CFL bulbs and turn stuff off that's not being used. Your electricity bill can drop through the floor if you actually look at where its going (Ours is about £20-25 a month for 2 in a 3 bed semi, My parents is £80 in similar conditions. My dad earns enough not to need to care enough to do anything)
Honestly the only way anyone should "suffer" because of the rise in VAT is if they have already made as many concessions as they can. Those people are few and far between.
Everyone else might have to forego the odd luxury. The problem is people forget that so much is considered a luxury in real terms. A cake, 20mb+ internet, sky, a game, renting a dvd, going out for a meal or drink, the cinema, holidays, tuna steaks, Coca Cola to name but a few. All can be reduced or removed to save a considerable amount so that you can do the few things you NEED to do, pay the bills & buy some food.