Concerns for people's mental health as cost of living continues to soar
A community support group in Scarborough says they're there for people to talk to
As the cost of living continues to soar, there is concern about the impact it is having on people's mental health here on the Yorkshire coast.
A report by Which? has found almost 1 in 10 homes missed or defaulted on a payment this month.
The consumer group said January tends to be a month when people are particularly grappling with their debts, as bills from Christmas pile up, but it says this year the numbers struggling remained high in February and March.
A survey by Yonder of more than 2,000 people for Which? in March indicated that 8.8% of households missed or defaulted on a payment in March, as did 8.2% and 8.1% in January and February.
The research was released ahead of hikes to some household bills, including those for broadband and mobile phones, water and council tax.
Which? said its findings underline the need for the Government and companies in essential sectors to support the most financially vulnerable.
Helen Speak is from Speak Out Community Support Group in Scarborough. She said: "I think there's just so much uncertainty with everything at the minute, especially with the gas, electric and fuel costs that then everything else is increasing as well. Even though benefits are going to increase, I don't think it's going to increase enough to pay the rising costs.
"People are worried, anxious and the not knowing of how things are going to affect them. Everything's going up.
"You're not just finding it amongst one set of people, you know like those on benefits, but those who have two people who are working are struggling as well. It is just across the board with all those different things affecting everybody.
"Obviously the new Council Tax bills have been sent out, or are on the way out, and when these things come up we just suggest to people any ideas that we have or anything we know about, just making sure people are aware of the options that are open to them."
What help is available?
A range of cost-of-living support is available on the Government website.
As part of the support being given, millions of households across the UK will automatically receive a £301 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between April 25th and May 17th.
The payment reference for bank accounts will be "DWP COLP", along with the claimant's national insurance number.
It is the first of three payments, totalling up to £900, for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as universal credit or pension credit, in 2023/24.
Survey results
Which? said six in 10 (60%) households surveyed in March had reported making at least one adjustment to cover their essential spending, such as utility bills, housing costs, groceries, school supplies and medicines in the previous month.
Adjustments included cutting back on essentials, dipping into savings, selling possessions or borrowing. This is consistent with the level seen for the past few months, Which? said.
More positively, the research indicated that consumer confidence appears to be recovering slightly.
A fifth (21%) of those surveyed believe the UK economy will improve over the next 12 months, while 54% think it will get worse, while the remainder were neutral or said they did not know.
This gave a net confidence reading in the future economy of minus 33.
While this is a negative reading, it is an improvement compared with a net reading of minus 68 recorded six months ago, Which? said.
The consumer group said measures including extending the energy price guarantee at its current level are important steps.
The Government recently confirmed that the energy price guarantee limiting typical bills at £2,500 a year, will be extended for households for another three months, from April to June.
Which? wants businesses providing essentials to ensure that they help people as much as possible during the cost-of-living crisis.
For consumers struggling to make payments, there is support available, Which? said. Lenders or landlords may be able to help with a plan to make the costs more manageable for homeowners or renters.
Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: "Our research suggests millions of households are struggling to get their finances on track amid huge pressure on the cost of living.
"This should set off alarm bells, particularly as painful increases to many essential bills are due to take effect in a matter of days.
"Our findings underline the need for the Government and companies in essential sectors - such as supermarkets, energy and telecoms providers - to do everything in their power to support consumers, particularly those struggling financially, through this incredibly difficult time."