Living Costs in Context

It brings together evidence from food banks, charitable food aid providers and other frontline services - offering insight into what is driving hardship, and what this tells us about the systems intended to support people.

Developed in partnership with organisations from across the charitable food aid, anti-poverty, food policy and public health sectors, the series aims to create a better understanding of the drivers of hardship and inform action to reduce the need for charitable food aid.

What the evidence tells us

Across the series, a consistent picture emerges about what drives people into hardship – and where the systems meant to prevent it fall short.

Hardship is shaped by multiple systems

People's ability to afford the essentials is influenced by a range of connected systems including social security, housing, employment, health and local support. When these systems do not work well together, people can be pushed into financial hardship and crisis.

Prevention matters

Many experiences of hardship are preventable. The evidence highlights the importance of early support, adequate incomes and accessible local services in helping people avoid reaching a crisis point.

Young people face particular barriers

The move into adulthood can be a precarious time. Difficulties accessing support, insecure housing and low incomes can leave some young people especially exposed to hardship.

Housing costs can drive financial hardship

Housing costs have a significant impact on people's ability to afford other essentials. Rising rents, insecure tenancies and the challenges of temporary accommodation were identified as common factors contributing to hardship.

Accessible crisis support helps prevent hardship from deepening

When people face unexpected financial shocks, accessible cash-first support can help prevent situations from worsening. The evidence highlights the value of support that is easy to access, well promoted and connected to wider advice that builds financial resilience.

The frontline sees it first

Food banks and other charitable food aid providers often see the effects of hardship before they appear in official data. Their experiences provide valuable insight into where systems are working well and where people are falling through the gaps.

Why this evidence matters

Reducing hardship requires action across systems, including social security, housing, crisis support and access to wider advice and support. 

By bringing together frontline evidence from across charitable food aid providers, the Living Costs in Context series aims to support more informed policymaking and a better understanding of the structural drivers of hardship.