Impacts of changes in cost of living on health and wellbeing

Healthwatch East Sussex conducted research to explore the impacts of changes of the cost of living in East Sussex. Specifically, to identify any changes in people’s behaviours and wellbeing in response to increases in the cost of living over the last 12 months, and the impacts on their lives. Between July and September 2024, 384 people provided their feedback via survey. An additional 29 people also completed a short-form version of the survey during public events.

Most respondents said that cost-of-living increases had impacted their day-to-day life, including relationships with family and friends; delivery of care or receipt of care; and participation in education, training or work. More than two thirds of people said they had cut down or stopped spending money on socialising. Over 60% of respondents also said they were using heating less. Over half of respondents were travelling less regularly to see friends or family, and just under half of people said they had reduced how much food they buy or eat. These changes negatively affected people’s ability to manage wider health conditions.

Cost-of-living increases also changed people's use of health, care and wellbeing services or resources. Avoiding going to the dentist, reducing spending on products supporting self-management of a health condition, and reducing or stopping self-care support (e.g., physiotherapy/counselling) were the most frequent changes. Approximately 4 out of 10 respondents indicated they accessed at least one form of advice or support due to changes in the cost of living in the last 12 months, with some accessing more than one service.

The report includes 12 recommendations.