Written evidence from Organise CLP0043

 

Organise is a network of workers from all sectors of the economy, supporting each other to get better pay, conditions and recognition at work.

 

Introduction:

The cost of living crisis in the UK has left millions of people struggling to make ends meet. Rising energy bills, food prices, and housing costs, coupled with low wages and benefit cuts, have created a perfect storm of financial hardship for many households. The government should take further action and provide support for those who are most vulnerable.

 

This people-powered report is made up of the responses of thousands of Organise members who have engaged with various campaigns on the cost of living crisis and the support offered by the UK government. People have shared their experiences of financial hardship, highlighting the difficulties they face in affording basic necessities such as food, heating, and housing. The recommendations provided in this report range from increasing wages and benefits, to a means-tested discount for families with disabilities, to redistributing funds from corporate interests through higher taxes to support those in need.

 

The headlines:

 

76% think the eligibility requirements for Government cost of living support payments are too strict.

 

45% of people who did not receive any cost of living support payments think they should have done.

 

62% think the government were ineffective at making people aware of cost of living payments.

 

88% believe that the Government should prioritise increasing funding for cost-of-living support programmes in the upcoming budget.

 

24,146 people signed the petition to extend the Energy Support Scheme

 

18,442 people signed the petition to provide more financial support for families with disabilities

 

 

 

Section 1: Survey on the cost of living support payments

 

Over the last month, 16,107 Organise members have been sharing their thoughts on cost of living support payments offered by government. [1]

 

The data:

9,921 (62%) respondents have not received any cost of living support payments.

6,192 (38%) respondents have received cost of living support payments.

Of those who had received support, 2,337 have received pensioner payments, 2,629 have received low-income payments and 2,005 have received disability payments.

Of those who have not received any cost of living support payments 45% think they should have, 32% were not sure and 23% think they shouldn't have.



 

 

Behind the numbers:

For those who received the payments, it is clear that their effectiveness varied from person to person. Some respondents found the payments to be helpful and greatly assisted them in paying their bills and maintaining the cost of energy. They appreciated the extra financial support, especially during times when prices for basic necessities like food and energy skyrocketed. However, others felt that the payments were insufficient, as they didn't cover the full range of increases in the cost of living and only provided a temporary relief. Respondents believe that the government should do more to support those struggling to cope with rising costs and that more money should be allocated to help people in need. Overall, whilst the cost of living payments were appreciated, they were not always enough to make a significant difference for those facing financial difficulties and therefore should be increased and extended over the coming years.


 

 

 

 

What people are saying:

 

They helped but not enough, not when the price of things is skyrocketing and wages aren’t going up to match.

 

I have received them all. They helped inasmuch as they just stopped me maxing out my overdraft, but they weren't every month and so didn't make up for the huge increase in basics like energy. I am now on the verge of bankruptcy and running out of options.

 

 

The government's approach:

 

62% of people thought the government were ineffective at making people aware of cost of living payments.


 

76% thought that the eligibility requirements for Government cost of living support payments are too strict.

5 key policy recommendations:

Organise members have been sharing the ways they think the government should offer ongoing support, which can be summarised in 5 key policy suggestions:

 

  1. Increase the real living wage, and raise benefit levels such that no one is living in poverty.
  2. Provide clear information on benefit eligibility and the criteria required to qualify.
  3. Regulate gas and electric companies so that they cannot put up prices when they are making large profits.
  4. Continue financial support for those in need, especially for fuel bills and cost of living expenses.
  5. Higher taxes on corporations to support individuals and families who are struggling financially.

 

 

 

Summary of the survey:

The feedback from the survey indicates that many people are struggling with the cost of living and would like to see more financial support from the government, particularly in relation to fuel bills and food costs. Recommendations include increasing the living wage, raising benefit levels, and continuing cost of living payments until the current crisis is over. Many respondents also expressed concern over energy prices, calling for the energy price cap to be lowered or for the energy sector to be renationalised.

Additionally, there were calls for better education on eligibility for benefits and for clearer criteria for determining eligibility.

 

There were also calls for targeted financial support for those on low incomes, particularly families earning less than £65,000 per annum, as well as continued support for pensioners and those on state benefits. While some respondents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of government support, the overwhelming majority agreed that more action was needed to address the cost of living crisis and provide greater financial security for those who are struggling.

 

Section 2: People-powered campaigns

This section of the report will highlight campaigns initiated and driven by Organise members on the platform. These petitions urge the government to maintain or establish policies in areas spanning from benefits to energy support. Included are anonymous quotes from the British public on their motivations for signing the petitions and the potential impact on their families. The goal is to provide insights into the grassroots campaigns that reflect the concerns and needs of the public and encourage the government to take action.

 

Keep the £400 energy support scheme for those on low income

24,146 signatures

 

Petition text: [2]

The Government should be protecting us from rising bills, not scrapping the support! It is essential that the government brings back this important program to provide much-needed relief for struggling families and individuals.

 

Re-introducing the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme for those on low income is crucial in ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not left behind. Many elderly people, disabled individuals, and those with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold weather, which can exacerbate their health conditions and put them at risk of illness and hospitalisation.

 

 

Why this campaign is important to signers:

 

I can't afford electric or gas, I'm going without food so my children can eat and I can put £10 on the electric. Even with lights, TV, fridge and freezer off with limited washing, it only lasts 2 days. I honestly do not know what I'm going to do when the help stops. I'm a carer for a family member on Universal Credit and my rent is going up.

I'm tired of worrying and struggling.

 

I can only get a minimum wage part-time job since being made redundant at the age of 62 during the pandemic. I only have this and a small amount of savings to live on while my wife cares for her parents full-time. We need help!

 

Families are struggling. There are too many children already living in poverty. Energy companies are immoral with the profits they are pocketing on the backs of these children.

 

I earn 21k a year and have 2 kids and because of food and energy increases I’m finding it difficult keep ontop of bills. People of lower incomes are choosing between food and heating and in this day and age that is disgusting.

 

 

Cost of living help for families with disabilities!

18,442 signatures

 

Petition text: [3]

As a parent of three children who receive Disability Living Allowance, I am deeply concerned about the high cost of living for families with disabilities. Despite working part-time, I am struggling to make ends meet, and my family is gradually slipping into debt.

Meanwhile, energy companies are reporting billions in profits.

 

This is why I am calling for a means-tested discount for families with disabilities who use more electricity and gas than the average household. I propose a 25% discount per person with a disability, capped at average usage, and a maximum discount of 50% per household.

 

This discount would provide crucial support for families like mine, who face higher energy costs due to our specific needs. It would also help alleviate the financial burden and stress that we are currently experiencing.

 

Join me in calling on the government to implement this discount for families with disabilities. By signing this petition, you are standing up for families who are struggling to make ends meet and calling for fair and just policies that address the needs of all society.

Why this campaign is important to signers:

 

I am disabled and have to use much more electricity to power my bed, hoist, and power wheelchair. I also use an electric heater because of the price of gas. I work but I am still struggling to make ends meet. Privatising energy has seen the steady rise in costs at the same time as huge rises in CEO salaries, bonuses, and

 

 

shareholder profits.

 

As a disabled person with an elderly mother living with me I know how difficult the energy crisis has been on disabled families with limited incomes who rely on the heat to manage painful and life limiting conditions.

 

I think the extra £150 a year (less than £3 a week) to help with the cost of living is a bit of an insult to disabled people, many of whom have to rely on transport to get anywhere be it private or public. £3 a week wouldn't even buy a bus ride to the nearest town for some people.

 

The cost of living is hard enough and I am a disabled citizen, with very little money. with the current state of things i have become anxious and depressed.

 

I am disabled and so is my mum. We are really struggling and I wasn’t able to afford any heating this winter. I have children and we are trying to cut down on our electricity but we need some more help.

£35 extra a week should go on benefits or make a basic universal income to cover living expenses.

13,013 signatures

 

Petition text: [4]

People on benefits need £35 extra a week to cover living expenses. I ask the government to put up the benefits by this much. Several charities have done studies and found out that that is how much more people on benefits need. If you are an asylum seeker I expect the raise should be in line with other benefits.

 

 

Why this campaign is important to signers:

 

I am a single parent and all my bills have gone up, infact everything as gone up food is at a high right now. so obviously we need a little more to help with all these things and put food on the table to feed my children.

 

There are people that desperately need support with the cost of living. My family pay the same for gas and electric as they do a mortgage and have 4 children to feed and clothe. The price rise of everything is causing emotional, physical and mental strain.

Something needs to give.

 

As a mum of two with limited capacity to work I struggle on my UC payments even with them being every two weeks and I still get the standard allowance as a single mum so having that extra money would help loads especially at the moment.

 

Cost of living payments for people in full/part-time employment!

2,759 signatures

 

Petition text: [5]

The cost of everyday essentials such as food has increased by up to 80% in just one year, yet the government are not helping the majority of people out. Cost of living payments should be given to all and not just people on government support systems.

 

A payment should be subsidised for all people regardless of whether they are on government support systems or working full time or part time employment.

 

Why this campaign is important to signers:

 

I’m on minimum wage and live alone. I work full time but it’s hard to make ends meet. I get no subsidies at all except 25% council tax reduction. A helping hand would be wonderful.

My partner can't work due to health issue. He can't claim any benefits due to having £16,000 in his savings. I am the only one in our household working and I pay all the bills. He should be able to claim benefits based on his illness.

 

Summary:

The cost of living crisis in the UK has left many individuals

families struggling to make ends meet. The government must take action to support those in need by reintroducing programs that provide relief for struggling families, such as the Energy Bills Support Scheme. In addition, a means-tested discount for families with disabilities that use more electricity and gas than the average household would provide crucial support for those with specific needs.

 

Furthermore, raising benefits by £35 per week would alleviate the financial burden for people on benefits and help cover the increased costs of essential items. It is important to recognize that the cost of living crisis affects not just those on government support systems, but also those who are employed full-time or part-time. A payment should be subsidised for all people, regardless of their employment status. It is time for the government to take action and implement fair and just policies that address the needs of all members of society.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this report. These quotations have been anonymously shared by people in the Organise Network.

 

Notes:

[1] Organise survey: Government inquiry: Cost of living support payments https://the.organise.network/surveys/1514/results

[2] Organise petition: Keep the £400 energy support scheme for those on low income https://the.organise.network/campaigns/3458

 

[3] Organise petition: Cost of living help for families with disabilities https://the.organise.network/campaigns/3660

[4] Organise petition £35 extra a week should go on benefits or make a basic universal income to cover living expenses. https://the.organise.network/campaigns/network-35-extra-a- week-should-go-on-benefits-or-make-a-basic-universal-income- to-cover-living-expenses-c58d9d845a955d82

[5] Organise petition Cost of living payments for people in full/part-time employment! https://the.organise.network/campaigns/3708

 

 

May 2023