LGA: Vulnerable people hit hardest by cost of living crisis

The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that a recent report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides demonstrates the impact of rising costs on families and that vulnerable and less well of groups are being hit hardest.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showing that around a quarter of adults were struggling to stay warm in the last month.

Cllr David Baines, Vice-chair of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board said:

"This data is stark evidence of the impact of the rise in the cost of living on families.

“As expected, it is those living in more deprived areas and those who are more economically vulnerable who are less likely to be heating their homes or eating adequately this winter.

“Across the country, councils are working hard with partners to support those most in need. This includes measures to tackle fuel poverty, such as advice and insulation measures, that help keep homes warm and reduce energy waste.

“However, these efforts need to be supported by a fair and adequate mainstream benefits system, so that everybody has sufficient means to meet the rising cost of energy and other essentials."

The ONS Cost of living insights report shows that around 5 per cent of households had run out of food and could not afford to buy more, rising to 8 per cent among those with dependent children, and 13 per cent of those living in the most deprived areas in England.