William Eichler 13 December 2022

Cost-of-living anxiety reaches new heights in London

Cost-of-living anxiety reaches new heights in London  image
Image: SrideeStudio/Shutterstock.com.

Anxiety about the cost of living has reached new heights in the capital as Christmas approaches, new polling reveals.

Nearly 80% (77%) of Londoners believe cost of living is one of the most important issues facing the capital, according to London Councils’ annual survey of Londoners.

Conducted by Ipsos, the poll’s findings are the highest ever level of concern for any issue recorded on this question in the past decade, and an increase in 15 percentage points since last year.

Around one in four Londoners say they are finding it difficult to manage financially, with the highest levels of worry around paying energy/utility bills (67%) and covering an unexpected household expense (64%).

Nearly half (45%) say they have not turned on the heating when they would usually have and 39% are socialising less due to the rising cost of living.

Just under one in four (23%) have used savings to get by and one in five (19%) say their household income has decreased.

Renters in the capital are under particular strain, with nearly three in five Londoners (59%) living in private or social rented accommodation saying their rent has increased this year and a similar proportion (57%) saying they worry this will happen when they next renew their tenancy.

Cllr Georgia Gould, chair of London Councils, said: ‘The figures are stark and reflect the reality that councils across London are seeing in their communities. As we did during the pandemic, local government has once again stepped up to do everything we can to support our residents through this crisis. We are opening up warm spaces, offering financial support and providing advice and guidance to those in need.

‘The next few months will be critical for families across the capital who are already struggling. We stand ready to work with government to meet this challenge and ensure the right support gets to those who need it.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner