Cost of living remains a barrier to health for the most vulnerable finds poll

In 2023, Healthwatch polling highlighted the impact of the cost of living crisis on people’s access to health and care. Healthwatch’s new poll conducted with 2008 adults living in England in January 2024, shows modest improvements in some areas. However, the cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for those under the most financial pressure and those requiring dental care.

People on low incomes are most affected by the cost of living

Healthwatch’s data shows that some people are still finding it hard to live healthy lives.

Almost one in five (19 per cent) of people said they are eating less healthy food, 12 per cent have skipped meals, and 12 per cent have stopped doing things that help them to stay fit and healthy, including going to the gym.