Cost of Living Survey

Initial responses to the Bedford Liberal Democrats' Cost of Living Survey reveal that residents are already facing financial trouble and many feel worried about staying warm and well fed this winter. The headline figures show that:

• 81% of respondents are already feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis or are concerned they may be affected soon.
• Only 12% of respondents are confident they will be able to pay their energy bills for the foreseeable future.
• Shopping habits have changed for 83% of respondents.
• Vehicle use has changed for 78% of respondents due the increased fuel prices.
• 73% of business owners who responded expect a significant or moderate impact on their business, with 14% concerned they may have to reduce staff.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "These figures show the scale of the impact of this cost of living crisis. I'm very concerned that our residents aren't getting the targeted help they need from this government. Instead Liz Truss' plan gives twice as much support to the rich and will plunge the country into huge debt which we all will be paying off for decades to come."

Residents who respond to the survey are also given the opportunity to provide more detail about how they're coping with the cost of living crisis and the changes they have had to make. Many people have had to shop at cheaper supermarkets, buy budget items or only essentials and some have had to reduce their food intake all together due to the rises in prices. Several responses indicated that they are often going hungry so that children and older people are able to eat.

Many residents say they have attempted to reduce their energy consumption to avoid paying huge bills. Some of the actions include not turning heating or lights on, only eating cold meals to avoid using the oven and having shorter and fewer showers. Others are having to miss out on leisure activities such as shopping trips, restaurant meals and holidays, with some saying they are having to cancel birthdays and Christmas. This is having detrimental impacts on residents' mental health with one resident saying "I'm 60 years old and it's not the life I was hoping for as I age".

The survey is still open for comments so please let Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats know how the cost of living crisis is impacting you by visiting https://bedfordlibdems.org.uk/cost.