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Cost of living
As the cost of living crisis continues, too many young people are at risk of accepting it as normal.
But it isn’t normal to skip meals. It isn’t normal to not meet up with friends. And it isn’t normal to put your hopes and dreams on hold because you’re struggling to afford the basics.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Increased wages and fairer benefits would help more young people meet their basic needs and return to some form of normality.
Sam’s journey gives you an insight into the choices some young people have to make everyday because of the cost of living crisis.
If you were living in survival mode, what course of action would you take?
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Trapped in the Cost of Living Crisis
Every young person should have the financial support to allow them to meet their essential needs.
See life through Sam’s eyes
Every day Sam has to make huge decisions to deal with the harsh realities of the cost of living crisis. How would you cope?
Trapped in the Cost of Living Crisis Report
Titled ‘Trapped in the Cost of Living Crisis’ the report uncovers the testimonies and remarkable resilience of young residents who live precariously through relentless financial pressures, and how the hope of overcoming these challenges is diminishing daily.
YMCA General Election Manifesto
Learn more about YMCA General Election Manifesto 2024.
Jack, Grimsby
“The rising cost of living has impacted me a lot; everything is too expensive. I am not able to save, and I sometimes need to use foodbanks before I get my next benefits or wages. My mental health has been up and down throughout this time and I worry about paying bills and getting into debt.”
What can be done?
Our first recommendation
The Government should introduce an Essentials Guarantee for benefits, an independently-calculated figure which would determine the minimum level of benefits to meet people’s essential needs.
Our second recommendation
Young people under 25 who are living independently should receive an additional Universal Credit payment, to bring their standard allowance up to match the over 25s rate.
Our third recommendation
Residents of supported accommodation should receive a Universal Credit work allowance to allow them to earn more before their income from benefits is tapered.
Carys, Bridgwater
“The cost of living crisis has hit me hard. It’s harder to manage money and be able to buy food as it is so expensive. Budgeting seems to be difficult, if I’m lucky, I could probably save about £30 per month. It has been really tricky; I have had some really low days where I struggle to get out of bed.”
Every young person should have the financial support to allow them to meet their essential needs
To help ensure that this is the case, YMCA England & Wales believe that change can make a difference.
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