Rising Cost Of Living Campaign

Our Campaign against the rising cost of living

At Stand Together Network, we are very concerned about how the rising cost of living is affecting older people on low and modest incomes. Prices of everyday items are going up so quickly now that they risk being totally overwhelmed.

Our disadvantaged beneficiaries get in touch with us every day to say they are drastically cutting back on their spending, but their finances just won’t stretch to cover the huge price rises they are facing. People of all ages across the country are finding that their monthly budgets simply don’t add up anymore.

Household energy prices are going up by an average of 54% and are expected to rise further in the autumn. Inflation hit 6.2% in February 2022 and is set to go even higher, yet the State Pension and benefits are only due to rise by 3.1%. The help the Chancellor has announced so far for people on low and modest incomes is nowhere near enough. It’s simple – they won’t be able to make ends meet without considerably more government support.

The Government must take immediate action to provide more financial support. People of all ages on low and modest incomes need help to meet rising costs now and cannot wait any longer.

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 of everything is going up so much, people are forced to cut down what food they can buy and what heating they can afford and it left people to choose rent, heating or food.Millions of people across the UK are struggling, this simply is not right.

It causes economic and social instability. It has a negative impact on vulnerable people.

Millions of people across the UK are struggling to cover their essential household costs nowadays and the situation is getting worse and requires urgent attention.

Why we're calling for it?

As inflation reaches record levels, our wages simply haven’t kept up, it worsening people’s financial situation. As energy costs leave households out of pocket, oil and gas companies reap massive profits. And as increasing numbers of people and families fall into poverty, the Government response – or lack thereof – has been woeful.

The rising cost of living is squeezing the incomes of millions of people across the country with people with disabilities especially affected. The demand for food bank is increasing, simply because people can’t afford to buy the essentials and struggling in paying their household bills.

Our Campaign

The ‘cost of living crisis’ means we’re all paying a lot more for energy and food, and things like rent and fuel. Consumer goods and energy prices pushing inflation higher. Our campaign aims to urge the Government to intervene to cap the increase the price of fuel and support vulnerable people and increase welfare benefit income to enable poor people to cope with the rising of living cost.

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

Facts

There is an increase in the price of the food (94%)
There is an increase in gas or electricity bills (82%)
There is an increase in the price of fuel (77%)

Statistics

Around 24 million people in Great Britain were reducing energy use in their home between March and June 2022, and around 16 million cut back on food and essentials.
Around 4 in 10 disabled people experiencing rising cost of living cut back on food and essentials
People aged between 55 and 74 years appeared more likely to reduce their gas and electric use in their home
Around 4 million UK households are in fuel poverty, unable to afford to live in a warm, dry home or cook their own food.
Around 1 in 3 (34%) adults living in the most deprived areas reported it was difficult or very difficult to pay their usual household bills in the last month, compared with a year ago

What are people saying about cost-of-living crisis?

A lot of people are finding that wages, or benefit payment increases aren’t keeping track with these price rises.
Some people are cutting back on how much they spend on food, or eating less, so they can pay for heating.
Many people are falling into arrears, or using credit to pay for essentials, making the problem worse.
Our beneficiaries face economic instability because of rising living costs.
Low-income households spend a larger proportion than average on energy and food so will be more affected by price increases.
People are terrified of getting their next energy bills; shopping prices are increasing too.
People aren’t earning enough to support themselves and buy food, or even pay for bills which are increasing by the minute.
Food bank charities have stated that people don’t want food that they have to cook, because they can’t afford to turn the gas and electricity on to cook it.
People are demanding a price cap on energy
That living standards are dropping off the edge of the cliff.
No money for equipment. People expressed that are socially isolated because they stuck at home, they unable to go out, No nights out and no fun.
I cannot afford to have dental treatment anymore and it seems in the future I will not be able to afford to live. Something will have to give up.

What changes do we want to see?

The Government should raise the level of benefits and of the State Pension as soon as possible during 2022, because of the much higher than expected rate of inflation.
Targeted direct payments of £500 should be made to those on the lowest incomes to help mitigate the impact of energy price increases.
The Government must do everything it can to ensure everyone eligible for benefits, particularly Pension Credit, can access their entitlement.
Longer term, the Government must consult on the introduction of improved social tariffs into the energy market and should legislate for the continuation of an energy price cap.

How can we help you?

Income Maximisation
STN has qualified advisors who can help you during this financial crisis.
If you need help on how you can receive your maximum possible entitlement to welfare benefits, then please get in touch. We are happy to help you.
We offer one to one advice sessions if you have been affected by rising of living cost. We also offer group workshops on rising of living cost. If you are interested, please apply now.

The cost-of-living crisis is a health emergency too

The rising cost of living has big risks on people’s health and negative impacts on health and wellbeing. It has been associated with a reduction in wellbeing, including increased anxiety and worsening mental health.

The most common reasons reported by vulnerable people families for their increased cost of living were:

*Being unable to afford sufficient food leaves people malnourished

Being unable to keep a home warm leaves people at risk of developing respiratory diseases and, for the most vulnerable, at risk of death
Being unable to afford essentials to maintain their health and bringing increased stress and anxiety as families try to make ends meet.