Cost of living crisis 'threatens to widen regional inequalities' in places like Cornwall
New research shows households in the South West are among the most worried about finances
Last updated 2nd Aug 2022
It is claimed the cost of living crisis is making regional inequalities in places like Cornwall and the South West worse.
Research shows around HALF of households in our region do not think they will be able to maintain their current lifestyle.
The government insists its levelling up agenda IS working and is also highlighting a support package for struggling families nationwide, of ÂŁ37 billion.
Legal & General, carried out the research and found households in the South West, Yorkshire and the Humber and Northern Ireland to be among those most worried about their finances.
Chief Executive Nigel Wilson has welcomed the government's ÂŁ400 package for households, but stressed that the state needs to help "address the root of regional inequalities" with a longer-term strategy.
He said "greater collaboration between public and private sectors" is needed to address issues across various parts of the economy, including energy, health, housing and jobs.
'Many households facing tough financial choices'
Mr Wilson added: "Many households across the UK are currently facing very tough financial choices. For some, those choices seem impossible.
"However, what is most concerning is that the impact of the cost-of-living crisis is being felt more severely in some parts of the UK than in others.
"This threatens to widen the existing demographic and geographic inequalities that the levelling up agenda was designed to address".
It came as L&G’s latest Rebuilding Britain Index revealed that 69% of households said they are making additional cutbacks to their budgets due to recent rising costs.
The research also worryingly highlighted that 13% of respondents feel they would have nothing left to cut back on when energy prices jump further.
It also showed significant regional differences regarding how comfortable people are currently feeling about their financial position.
Only 49% of South West households confident about maintaining their current lifestyle
In Yorkshire and Humber, the South West and Northern Ireland only 49% of households said they are confident of being able to maintain their current lifestyle over the coming 12 months.
Meanwhile, London residents were the most confident, with 72% believing they can maintain their lifestyles.
A government spokesperson said: "Opportunity should be spread across the country to ensure no area is left behind, which is why we’re pressing full steam ahead with levelling up.
"Our Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will enshrine in law our commitment to closing the gap in pay and productivity across regions. By investing in the areas that need it most, improving schools, supporting regeneration and generating higher paid jobs we will improve the lives of the poorest in areas across the UK.
"We're also helping households through a £37 billion package of support – protecting eight million of the most vulnerable families with direct payments of £1,200 this year".