With record energy prices, soaring costs for household essentials, falling wages and interest rates the highest for 40 years, people across Aberavon are acutely feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
It’s an extremely worrying time as household incomes are not keeping pace with rising costs and don’t cover the essentials.
People are already not putting the heating on and cutting back on essential groceries. They’re worried about whether they can pay their energy bills or afford their rent or mortgage payments, and the numbers of people turning to foodbanks is up.
Nobody should have to worry about whether they can turn the heating on if they’re cold, and nobody should have to skip meals because they can’t afford to pay their bills or feed their family.
For these reasons I held a Cost-of-Living Advice Fair, bringing together a host of expert organisations to provide advice on reducing costs, accessing support, advising on budgeting and debt, and offering help with bills.
To follow up I’ve put together a booklet which provides information from the organisations that were there on the day, and from a number of others. It contains links to resources, helplines and further information that could be helpful to you, and I hope that you and your family will find it helpful.
My team and I stand ready to assist and support residents, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.