Cost of living crisis

The cost of things people need, like food, gas, electricity and petrol is going up quickly.

Some people are being asked to pay more for their care as well.

Wages and benefits are not going up as quickly, so it might get harder for people to pay for things they need.

You might find it harder to pay for food and other things you need. 

The high price of fresh and healthy food might make it difficult to eat a balanced diet.

Your weekly shopping might cost more than usual. 

This might mean you have to buy less. 

You might need to spend less on the things you like, but are not things you need.

It might cost more money to pay for gas and electricity for your home.  

You might not notice this in the spring and summer, because the weather is warmer and there are more hours of daylight. 

You might notice it in the winter when most people need to use more gas and electric to keep their homes warm, or to cook hot food.

In January, April, July and October, Ofgem decides the energy price cap.  Ofgem is part of the government .

The energy price cap is how much money energy companies can charge for gas and electricity. 

For more information about the energy price cap, go to our energy price cap page.

You can get help and advice on our website at www.mencap.org.uk/COL

If you are worried about money, contact our Learning Disability Helpline:

• Call us Monday to Friday on 0808 808 1111 

• Email us at [email protected] 

• Fill in our online form