Councils have warned that vulnerable and less well-off people are being hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.
The Local Government Association (LGA) says a recent report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides ‘stark evidence’ of the impact of rising costs on families.
But it said councils were working hard with their partners to support those most in need.
The ONS Cost of living insights report found about 5% of households had run out of food and could not afford to buy more.
This rose to 8% among those with dependent children, and 13% of those living in the most deprived areas in England.
Two-thirds of adults reported spending less on non-essentials because of the rising cost of living.
David Baines, vice-chair of the LGA’s community wellbeing board said: ‘This data is stark evidence of the impact of the rise in the cost of living on families.
‘As expected, it is those living in more deprived areas and those who are more economically vulnerable who are less likely to be heating their homes or eating adequately this winter.
‘Across the country, councils are working hard with partners to support those most in need. This includes measures to tackle fuel poverty, such as advice and insulation measures, that help keep homes warm and reduce energy waste.
‘However, these efforts need to be supported by a fair and adequate mainstream benefits system, so that everybody has sufficient means to meet the rising cost of energy and other essentials.’
