The rising cost of living and its impact on the health and wellbeing of residents in Westminster

Healthwatch Westminster wanted to understand the ways in which the rising cost of living may be impacting the wellbeing and access to services of residents.  Struggling with the rising cost of living is a theme that has come up often in their regular engagement as well as in their project work, where residents have consistently expressed concerns about meeting basic needs such as housing, food, and energy bills.  They used face to face and online surveys and focus groups to gather data. In total they heard from 139 people.

Most survey respondents reported that the increase in the cost of living has had a negative impact on their health and wellbeing.

Struggling to afford dental treatment was the most the most significant healthcare barrier reported, with nearly half of the total respondents citing this issue due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Many participants said that the rising broadband and internet prices have made it difficult for them to access online healthcare services. This includes ordering repeat prescriptions and booking a telephone consultation with the GP. Several respondents also expressed their concerns for feeling excluded online because they cannot afford internet access.

Most people said that they recently observed a rising trend in the costs of services they use. Key areas highlighted include dental and hygienist fees, the opticians, non-prescription drugs as well as a general increase in utility bills, nutritious food, clothes, transport and other expenses associated with daily living.

Key recommendations highlighted by participants included improving access to healthcare services by reducing waiting times, offering greater flexibility in appointment booking and prioritising staff training. Furthermore, people expressed a need for services to adopt a long-term vision which focuses more on preventing diseases. Increasing support for carers and the Council delivering more grants and subsidies during the cost-of-living crisis were other important suggestions.

Focus groups most frequently reported impacts on health and wellbeing were related to mental health, with participants describing feelings of stress, worry, anxiety, and isolation. These emotions were largely linked to the rising costs of utilities such as electricity, the struggle to Cost of living and access to healthcare in Westminster 17 afford nutritious food, the cost of traveling to healthcare services, dental treatments, eye care, and high prescription costs. Many residents also expressed concerns that the high prices of essential services are disproportionate to the wages people earn, making it harder to meet basic health and social care needs.

Another key issue that emerged was how easily people can access information about the available support during the cost-of-living crisis, particularly for vulnerable communities. In addition, ways in which available resources could be shared more effectively with disadvantaged groups.

Many expressed appreciations for the community organisations they rely on, which provide direct advice and signposting services.  While respondents acknowledged the benefits of this support, they also raised concerns about the limitations of relief schemes. Common issues included the lack of consistency and continuity in support, the lack of in-person support, the stigma associated with receiving food aid, the complicated application processes in receiving support, and the insufficient mental health support for both carers and non-English speaking residents.

Many respondents shared they heard about the available resources to support them with the rising cost of living through the community organisations they rely on, community networks, flyers in the library, and word of the mouth through friends.