Cost of living crisis continues as a fifth go without heating

Latest ONS data has found that the cost of living crisis has seen as a fifth of households go without heating.

The research found that around one in twenty adults (5%) reported that they had run out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more in the previous two weeks amd that almost half (49%) were buying less food.

Around one in five adults (20%) reported that they were occasionally, hardly ever or never able to keep comfortably warm in the previous two weeks. Whilst 30% of people are finding it very or somewhat difficult to afford their rent or mortgage.

Those aged between 16-29, the disabled, and those living in deprived areas were more likely to experience difficulties.

Helen Morrissey, Head of Retirement Analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown said “Inflation may have started to fall back but the cost-of-living crisis continues with many struggling to afford the basics. Around 5% of people reported running out of food and being unable to buy more while a staggering fifth of adults reported they were not always able to keep warm at home. Almost one-third said it was difficult to afford their rent or mortgage.”

“The young, those struggling with mental health issues and the disabled were particularly vulnerable to these problems. Over half (52%) of people aged 16-29 were buying less food and around a third were struggling to keep warm. It’s worth saying though that no-one is immune – retired people appear less affected, but we are still seeing around a third buying less food and a fifth are struggling with mortgage and rent payments. This group is especially susceptible to health issues exacerbated by lack of food and heating.”

“These things aren’t life’s luxuries – they are the essentials and the fact so many are struggling shows how the cost-of-living crisis has pared people’s finances back to the bone. We expect the cost of food and energy to fall in the coming months, but many will still be waiting some time to see any real improvement and face tough decisions between heating and eating for months to come.”