Winter crisis having a profound impact on people in deprived areas

Responding to new data published by the ONS on the effects of this year’s winter pressures on people from different groups, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has highlighted the profound impact on people in deprived areas.

JRF chief analyst Peter Matejic said:
“These distressing figures show the effects of this winter crisis will stay with many families for a long time. It also has had an profound impact on people in deprived areas most of all. They were much more likely than most to be unable to afford food, or even the energy to cook their food. They also were far more likely to be unable to heat their home.

“The Government must ensure that they help everyone who needs it as a result of this tough winter and plug urgent shortfalls during such historically difficult times. Millions are still going with the essentials and our basic social security level is fundamentally not fit for purpose. Without substantial changes, people will continue to be unable to afford the essentials which so many of us take for granted.”