Cost of living crisis: Lincoln will continue to struggle.
Lincoln has one of the lowest gross disposable household income per head in the UK.
This lower disposable income will mean Lincoln residents will struggle more compared to other parts of the UK.
The Office for National Statistics have released new data about the cost of living crisis. Adults in Great Britain believe the cost of living crisis is the most important issue facing the UK today.
Inflation is at 9.3%, a 40 year high. Gas, electricity and motor fuel inflation has risen significantly since last November. Motor fuels inflation is now easing.
St. Swithin’s Church in Lincoln is feeling the “financial stretch” but will continue to help the community.
Love Your Neighbour Manager at St. Swithin’s Church, Paul Epton, urges people in need to reach out if they need help.
Paul explained why the space in the Salthouse was opened. He said: “we just wanted to make use of the fact that we’ve got a building that’s being used throughout the week. We know there is need for that kind of thing at the moment.”
These spaces are free and offer “free refreshments, teas, coffees. On Thursdays we do baked potato lunches and we will be doing soups and bread rolls moving forward.”
Paul said the space is “open as a warm space for anyone”. He also said: ”if anyone wants to come in and sit down with a laptop and do some work, we’ve got free Wi-Fi as well.”
Although Paul wasn’t sure of the exact cost to run the warm spaces, he said: “a building of this size is not cheap. Especially with the gas and electricity increases, it’s costing a lot more to do it. It’s certainly a financial stretch to us as a church. The congregation gives generously and we’re so grateful for that.”
Paul admitted the warm space is “difficult to run” but the Church stays committed to helping the community.
The church operate warm spaces on:
- Tuesday 10:00–13:00. Salthouse
- Thursday 10:30–16:00. Salthouse
- Wednesday 9:00–11:30. St Faith’s Church