More pain for families as cost of living soars

UNISON said that families were facing winter fuel misery as the government announced an increase in the Retail Prices Index.

For families struggling to heat their homes in the face of massive price hikes and freezing weather, there was more pain to come, the union warned.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “It’s time for the government to get a grip; the reality is that families are struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table.

“There is yet more misery to come, as the freezing weather starts to bite, fuel bills continue to rise, and wages remain stagnant.

“It’s time for the government to act; unscrupulous pay-day loan companies are filling the gap that has been created by high unemployment, the public sector pay freeze, and soaring fuel costs.

“Inflation still remains well above the government’s 2% target, placing enormous pressure on the finances of low and middle income households. Austerity isn’t working, and a plan of real growth is needed to help families bridge the gap between their incomes and the soaring cost of living.”

ENDS