Rising Cost Of Living Campaign
The Rising Cost of Living in England: An Increasing Concern
At Rosa, we are profoundly concerned about the soaring cost of living and its impact on older adults with low and modest incomes. The rapid escalation in the prices of everyday necessities is overwhelming many individuals, leaving them struggling to cope.
Our disadvantaged beneficiaries reach out to us daily, reporting drastic cuts in their spending. Despite their best efforts, their finances simply cannot stretch to cover the substantial price hikes they are facing. People of all ages across the country are discovering that their monthly budgets are no longer sufficient.
Household energy prices have surged by an average of 54% and are expected to rise even further in the autumn. Inflation hit 6.2% in February 2022 and is projected to climb higher, yet the State Pension and benefits are set to increase by only 3.1%. The assistance announced by the Chancellor for those on low and modest incomes is far from adequate. It’s evident – they won’t be able to make ends meet without significantly more government support.
Why Does This Matter?
The current cost of living crisis is worsening the economic and social position of ordinary people in the UK. The price hikes in essential goods and services are forcing people to make impossible choices between rent, heating, and food. Millions across the UK are struggling, and this situation is simply unacceptable.
Economic and social instability is on the rise, particularly affecting vulnerable people. The escalating living costs are making it increasingly difficult for millions to cover essential household expenses, and this dire situation requires urgent attention.
Why We're Calling for Action
As inflation reaches record levels, wages have not kept pace, exacerbating people’s financial situations. Energy costs are leaving households out of pocket, while oil and gas companies reap massive profits. As more people fall into poverty, the Government’s response has been inadequate.
The rising cost of living is squeezing the incomes of millions, with people with disabilities particularly affected. The demand for food banks is increasing because people cannot afford basic necessities and are struggling to pay household bills.
Our Campaign
The ‘cost of living crisis’ means higher prices for energy, food, rent, and fuel. Our campaign aims to urge the Government to cap fuel prices, support vulnerable individuals, and increase welfare benefits to help those affected by the rising costs.
Millions of people across the UK are struggling. If you are affected by the rising living costs, worried about future increases, or want to support those impacted, make your voice heard. Write to your MP or join our campaign.
Millions of people across the UK are struggling, this simply is not right. If you are affected by the rising living costs, or worried about future rises, or you want to stand in support of those impacted, make your voice heard and write to your MP now or join our campaign.
Facts and Statistics
- Food Prices: Increased by 94%
- Gas/Electricity Bills: Increased by 82%
- Fuel Prices: Increased by 77%
- Energy Use Reduction: Around 24 million people in Great Britain reduced energy use between March and June 2022.
- Food and Essentials: Around 16 million people cut back on food and essentials.
- Disabled People: Around 4 in 10 disabled individuals cut back on food and essentials.
- Fuel Poverty: Around 4 million UK households are in fuel poverty.
- Household Bills: 1 in 3 adults in the most deprived areas found it difficult to pay their usual bills compared to a year ago.
Public Sentiment on the Cost-of-Living Crisis
People are finding that their wages or benefit payments do not keep pace with rising prices. Many are cutting back on food or eating less to afford heating. Others are falling into arrears or using credit to pay for essentials, exacerbating their financial problems.
Our beneficiaries face economic instability due to rising living costs. Low-income households, which spend a larger proportion of their income on energy and food, are particularly affected.
Desired Changes
We are calling on the Government to:
- Raise the level of benefits and the State Pension in 2022 to match the higher-than-expected rate of inflation.
- Provide targeted direct payments of £500 to those on the lowest incomes to mitigate the impact of energy price increases.
- Ensure everyone eligible for benefits, particularly Pension Credit, can access their entitlements.
- Introduce improved social tariffs in the energy market and legislate for the continuation of an energy price cap.
How Can We Help You?
Income Maximisation: Rosa’s qualified advisors are here to help during this financial crisis. If you need assistance with receiving your maximum possible entitlement to welfare benefits, please get in touch. We offer one-on-one advice sessions and group workshops on managing rising living costs.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis: A Health Emergency Too
The rising cost of living poses significant risks to people’s health and well-being. It is associated with increased anxiety and worsening mental health.
Common Issues Reported by Vulnerable Families:
- Inability to afford sufficient food, leading to malnourishment.
- Inability to keep homes warm, risking respiratory diseases and, for the most vulnerable, even death.
- Increased stress and anxiety as families struggle to make ends meet.
By addressing these challenges, we can work towards a more equitable and compassionate society where everyone can afford the basic necessities of life.