CYP Now - Families need urgent action on cost of living

The UK will enter what is tipped to be, in economic terms, the toughest winter in the post-war era amid warnings from organisations like Barnardo’s and Action for Children that vulnerable families will be hit hardest.

Fiona Simpson: “The new Prime Minister must ensure a package of support for families as well as committing to sustainable investment to allow early years settings to remain open.” Picture: Joe Clewley

The Bank of England has forecast inflation to exceed 13 per cent – the highest in 40 years – in October, with average annual household energy prices set to reach £3,600 in the same month with further increases predicted in January.

Upwards of £1bn is needed to bail out those unable to pay increasing bills, 25 per cent of whom have children under five, according to analysis by energy firm Centrica.

Service providers are also being badly affected, with early years settings having to pass on costs for soaring energy bills by raising fees. Meanwhile, charities like Magic Breakfast, which provides free food to 200,000 children in schools daily, have issued warnings over the rising price of ingredients needed to make this possible.

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