Behind the Headlines

Poverty and health are closely linked. People living in poverty are more likely to be living in poor health. The opposite is also true – lack of support for people living with ill health and disability can cause people to be poorer. With living costs continuing to rise increasing numbers of people are unable to meet their basic living needs such as adequate heating for the home, appropriate clothing or adequate nutrition. This will likely lead to increasing ill health. 

Our report, Behind the Headlines: the unequal impact of the cost of living crisis brings together insight and intelligence from across our membership on what the cost of living crisis means for the people and communities they serve. Through data and case studies, this resource seeks to improve the understanding of the true impact being felt by people living with ill health and disability due to the cost of living crisis. Topics covered include cancer, kidney conditions, older people and homelessness. 

The report concludes with a set of recommendations from National Voices which advise the Government to develop fiscal measures to better protect people at the sharpest end of the cost of living crisis, including more targeted support for people living with ill-health or disability. It also advised it to work better with the charity sector to understand the impact the crisis was having on the health and wellbeing of people as well as asking the NHS to consider how it can respond to these worsening health needs. 

Acknowledgements

Thank you to our members who contributed their insights to this report:

Age UK

Crohn’s and Colitis UK

Groundswell

Kidney Care UK

Macmillan Cancer Support

Mind

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