The cost of living crisis in North Yorkshire
93% of adults reported an increase in their cost of living in August - September 2022.
Almost 2.5 million renters are either behind or constantly struggling to pay their rent - an increase of 45% since April 2022.
The rising costs of fuel, food and energy, alongside existing disadvantage and vulnerability, is putting many individuals at greater risk of hardship.
As the cost of living continues to rise, requests for assistance with bills almost doubled over the past year, while food banks are reporting facing unprecedented demand. It is a worrying time, with still no concrete end in sight.
So how can you or someone you support get the help they need?
Lots of organisations across North Yorkshire are there for people in the
current crisis. Many have information available about where to go for help:
Winter advice and warm and welcome spaces/places
Individuals and households
UK Government's Help for Households campaign
Citizen's Advice - Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
Citizens Advice North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire County Council - Cost of living support page
Download this information leaflet for financial and wellbeing support in Harrogate and visit the Harrogate Borough Council You are not alone webpage
Warm and Well in North Yorkshire raise awareness of the impact of cold homes on health and wellbeing, offering practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty, and supports people and communities to stay warm and well in their homes.
The Yorkshire Energy Doctor offer independent advice and advocacy to households around energy bills, energy efficiency and ways to stay safe, warm and well.
End Fuel Poverty Coalition are a coalition of anti-poverty, environmental, health and housing campaigners, charities, local authorities, trade unions and consumer organisations and can signpost you to a number of helpful resources.
North Yorkshire Home Efficiency Fund - YES Energy Solutions is working with North Yorkshire County Council to provide residents in Hambleton, Ryedale and Scarborough borough with fully funded home improvements.
Libraries
Find your local library within North Yorkshire
Community
Warm Welcome lists registered organisations that have opened or are opening up free, warm, welcoming spaces for those who struggling to heat their homes this winter across the UK.
Community First Yorkshire - An influential and regional organisation that works with Healthwatch North Yorkshire, as well as voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and rural communities
Ryedale Community Connect - A network of warm spaces is expanding across Ryedale to provide a warm welcome to those who may be unable to heat their homes over the Winter period.
Harrogate & District Community Action - Supporting communities, charities and volunteers to make Harrogate district a great place to live and work.
Two Ridings Community Foundation have the the cost of living crisis fund . The initial focus will be to offer groups funding of up to £2,000 to deal with critical issues in their communities.
Two thirds of therapists say cost of living concerns are causing a decline in people's mental health.
