Today JRF published alarming data that illustrate again an
increase in the numbers of households not able to afford an acceptable standard
of living. Of all the households studied, there has been an increase in those
unable to afford an acceptable standard of living, from 21% in 2008/9, to 24.8
% in 20011/12, and now to 27.3% for this year.
For families with children it is more worrying. In 2008/9 30.6% were unable to afford a
minimum standard of living, now the figure is at 39%.
In the Marmot Review
we made it very clear that having a sufficient income to lead a healthy life
was a key social determinant of health. Therefore increasing numbers living below acceptable standards will be
bad for health outcomes, and inequalities in health.
Not having enough money makes it difficult to afford a healthy
diet, decent housing, fuel for heating and cooking, appropriate clothing, and
to pay for any exercise that carries a cost.
Items such as travel and birthday cards that are important for social
integration, are often out of reach. Alongside the associated health impacts of inadequate nutrition, and
cold and damp housing, not having enough money, and particularly being in debt,
is associated with increased stress and depression. Increased stress and depression have been
linked to a range of negative health outcomes, and can have a negative impact
on children’s development.
It is deeply embarrassing to live in a country where nearly 4
out of 10 households with children cannot afford a decent standard of
living. We support JRF’s call for
improvements in income and efforts to moderate the costs of essential goods.
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