Cost of living struggles revealed

A major survey has revealed the impact of the cost of living crisis on households across Dundee.

Almost 1200 residents took part in Engage Dundee, sharing their experiences of day-to-day financial challenges and giving feedback on the support offered by a range of partners across the city.

The survey revealed people are routinely finding it difficult to pay for basics such as food, home utilities and public transport – and that their health and wellbeing is suffering as a result.

Dundee Partnership Forum chair Councillor John Alexander said: “The findings of this survey sadly come as no surprise, and reflect what we know from our own data.

“Thousands of local people are accessing emergency food, calling our benefits support lines, seeking advice on the Council website or going to community facilities for warmth and company.

“Nobody in 2024 should be having to make impossible choices like whether to eat or heat their home. For anyone to feel that their financial situation is hopeless, as the survey revealed, is just heartbreaking.”

The Engage Dundee survey explored citizens’ experiences of coping with the cost of living crisis over a 12-month period and was a collective effort between Public Health Scotland (PHS), NHS Tayside, Dundee City Council and Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership.

Respondents found the city’s cost of living support overwhelmingly positive, with over 70% satisfaction for most categories and over 90% for free/low-cost meals and activities in community buildings.

Councillor Alexander said: “We are committed to doing all we can to mitigate the impacts of this horrendous crisis. That’s why the Council has allocated another £500,000 in its 2024/25 budget for cost of living support.

“I want to thank every single person who took part in Engage Dundee. Your honest feedback will help us to target those funds for the maximum benefit.”

Other key findings from the survey included:

• The majority of respondents were struggling with the cost of living. Many were just keeping their heads above water whilst others were not making ends meet.
• People were cutting back significantly across many aspects of life. Some felt hopeless and were making difficult choices on how to spend limited resources.
• Almost nine in 10 of those surveyed reported feelings of stress/fear/anxiety/worry as a result of the cost of living crisis. Impacts included poorer sleep and performance at work.

“This survey also flags that there are people in danger of ‘falling through the cracks’ – including those who are working and maybe think they aren’t eligible for support even though they are finding it a challenge to make ends meet,” continued Councillor Alexander.

“We know that struggling financially can be a source of shame and stigma for people too. But my clear message is that help is available for anyone in need – please don’t suffer in silence.”

Pamela Smith, head of health equity and wellbeing at Public Health Scotland, said: “Public Health Scotland recognise the ongoing cost of living challenge is continuing to have adverse impacts on health and health inequalities.

“These financial impacts, such as price increases in food, heat and other goods and services, are not experienced evenly across the population with those on the low incomes most affected.

“It’s important to recognise the detrimental effect cost of living pressures have on both individuals and those in their care.

“Last year, we produced a rapid health impact assessment which demonstrated the potential lifelong effects these pressures can have on the life chances and health outcomes for children and young people. 

“We recognise the need to continue to mitigate against these impacts and support preventative actions to ensure a healthy standard of living for all.”

Advice and support on the cost of living crisis from agencies across the Dundee Partnership is available on this page.

A summary of the survey findings has been published, while the rapid health impact assessment can be found on the Public Health Scotland website.

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