The rising cost of living

The rising cost of living threatens to push households into vulnerable positions, increasing health inequalities and worsening health and wellbeing.

Healthcare leaders are concerned about the impact on local communities, patients and staff, and worry that soaring costs could cause a public health emergency. This would further strain already stretched services.

Health and care organisations are doing all they can to shield staff and patients from the worst effects of the cost-of-living crisis. But government action is needed on issues likely to cause spikes in ill health and unmanageable demand on NHS services.

This section explores the risks to health, wellbeing and healthcare services, making the case that the cost-of-living crisis is a health crisis.

It spotlights initiatives helping to mitigate the worst effects of rising costs, good employment practice to support staff, and our calls on government for action.

This section will be regularly updated, exploring issues and initiatives on financial insecurity, gambling and debt and domestic violence.