A single dad caring for his disabled daughter "struggled" to buy birthday gifts as the cost of living crisis grips households across Knowsley.
Research from Citizens Advice Knowsley, carried out between April and June 2022, shows that the cost of living crisis is having a devastating effect on the borough. One dad, who did not wish to be named, said he has found himself in more financial stress over recent months.
Having recently celebrated her birthday, the dad, happy to be known as "J", did not want his daughter to be aware of the stress. He said: "I would never want her to know that it’s been a struggle to buy her things, that shouldn’t be on her."
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The Citizens Advice research shows that as the cost of living crisis continues and bills sky rocket, the most vulnerable sectors are being hit the most. Disabled clients, social housing tenants and those who are economically inactive are at the forefront of the crisis, with these groups feeling the impact and making sacrifices in the highest numbers.
According to ONS data in 2019, Knowsley was the second most income deprived local authority area in England. Around 74% of clients feel worse off financially than the same point last year, with many saying that this is having a negative impact on their physical and mental health.
Despite cutting down on spending wherever he can, the Knowsley dad said it has not helped enough, adding: "I’ve stopped smoking, I don’t go the gym anymore, I don’t go out anywhere, anything I liked I’ve given up to save money, but it doesn’t make a difference.
"There’s only the two of us in the house but our food is so expensive. I keep thinking about going the food bank maybe but I don’t really want to, it’s not me that."
He went on to say: "It's just stress isn’t it, like all I think about is the money, I can’t go out somewhere and forget about it, because I can’t afford to. I want to take my little girl out, but where can I go where I won’t spend money, she doesn’t want to spend the summer in the house, but like where do we go?
"I know there’s meant to be some extra money coming in my Universal Credit, but it will just go won’t it? That money will come in and then everything will go up again. It’s not money for me and her, it’s money for bills. My mum and my sister already help with my phone and I borrow from them sometimes, but I don’t know, I can’t just keep asking them for more, they’ve got their own stuff."
Another service user said they "cannot reduce their heating due to their partners health condition" and others noted their heating is "essential". With the energy price cap increasing by over 50% from April 2022, the reality of the situation for many Knowsley residents is one of not being able to meet essential outgoings.
Warnings have previously been issued over a "bleak" winter ahead as money saving expert Martin Lewis urges people to plan ahead. Knowsley Council's hardship funds are "limited" and "not a long-term solution", the charity warns. It adds that Knowsley needs national and local financial support targeted at those most in need, the involvement of the VCFE sector in identifying those suffering the most and to utilise the sector in delivering services which will make the most impact on these groups.
Brian Gouldson, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Knowsley said: "Every day we are seeing more and more people who are financially living on the edge. Their bills have rocketed and for many there is little they can do about it because there is very little left where they can cut back. For those with disabilities who utilise medical equipment or need their homes at a certain temperature cut backs are just not an option.
"There is a rise in cases of people who have come to us who have increased stress, anxiety and simply feel helpless. We are extremely worried about what is to come down the path. The situation is serious now but that is only going to get worse. We must see action now at a local and national level to ensure we protect those in our communities who need it most. We would encourage anyone who is struggling, to speak to their local Citizens Advice service to see what help may be available."
The research also found a number of service users mentioned they were thinking about or had already stopped paying bills, an outcome that "could cause significant issues in future" as well as mentioning reducing the amount they paid off any current debts, prolonging any debts clients already have.
Overseeing 5,000 clients every year, Citizens Advice research shows that of those who were considering cutbacks, 45% were considering doing this by cutting heating bills and 28% said by cutting food bills. If the financial situation worsened, 22% of people said they would borrow money from family or friends, 21% wouldn’t know what to do, and 18% would return to Citizens Advice for further help.
More information on help and support can be found by contacting Citizens Advice. Find more here.
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