Poll suggests one in four cut back on food and utilities during pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to one in four people cutting back on food and utilities, according to research commissioned by the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Almost one-in-ten tenants who responded to the survey in January reported falling behind on their rent.
The RED C poll shows 43% of the population reported experiencing at least one form of financial strain due to the pandemic.
Over a third of one-parent families had to cut back on heating or fell behind on bills, according to the society.
Low-income families with children were hit hardest, as they coped with additional financial pressures due to school closures.
It found that 42% of those unable to work due to illness or disability reported that they went without heating, compared to 18% of people at work.
The Head of Social Justice at St Vincent de Paul Dr Tricia Keilthy said Covid-19 has put huge additional pressures on groups most at risk of poverty today.
The findings echo those of Social Justice Ireland, which published its annual Socio-Economic Review this week.
On Tuesday, Social Justice Ireland said Covid-19 exposed and exacerbated weaknesses in Irish society.
However, Dr Sean Healy said that in responding to the pandemic, the Government made changes to protect society and the economy.
He said “the common good” featured prominently in the last year, compared to the approach taken after the financial crash in 2008.
