The cost of living report

Healthwatch North Yorkshire report on the results of two surveys about the cost of living.  Altogether they heard from 168 people.

Over three in five were already struggling or will start to struggle.  People were most worried about affording heating and electricity. The cost of living crisis is impacting on every aspect of daily life with respondents saying they are reducing the amount of energy they use and changing/reducing the food they buy. As people’s financial pressures and worries grow, they are also cutting back on things that keep them mentally and physically well such as socialising and leisure activities.

When asked if they think there will be a further impact on themselves or their family in the winter months, a large proportion of respondents said they won’t have the heating on as much (77%) and will reduce their electricity use (57%).

A large number of respondents are worried about how the crisis will impact on their health and well-being. While the crisis is affecting everyone’s health and well-being, those who have a long term health condition are even more at risk.

The cost of public transport, increased fuel prices and taxis means people may not be able to attend medical appointments, which is particularly an issue for those people living in a rural area. Additionally, the increasing cost of living also means people might struggle to afford medicines they need.

The cost of living crisis is also impacting on people’s mental health and well-being. This is in part due to the worry and stress caused by financial concerns as well as because people cannot do the things that would normally help them to stay mentally well, such as socialising and taking part in leisure activities.

Organisations that Healthwatch North Yorkshire surveyed set out the activities that they are undertaking to support people affected by the cost of living, including warm places, access to food and information.