Our new report on the cost of living (Redbridge)

During January - March 2026, 222 local people in Redbridge completed our survey on the cost of living, and associated pressures.

We found that a marginal majority of respondents (54%) are ‘comfortable’ with their current financial situation. A third (33%) are ‘just about managing’ and a tenth (11%) are ‘finding it difficult’.

Cost pressures - in terms of inflation, respondents feel that food and grocery costs have risen the most over the last year (82%) and this is followed closely by energy bills (79%). Council Tax (63%) and water bills (60%) have also noticeably increased.

A majority of respondents (61%) are finding it difficult to pay their energy bills (2% of which are in debt or arrears). A third (32%) say it is not difficult.

Almost three quarters (72%) have had to make some form of cutback, in the last year. 48% have cut back on holidays, 42% on heating, 38% on clothing, 34% on leisure and 33% on food quality or quantity.

On health and wellbeing, respondents say that financial worries have resulted in poorer sleep (30%) and increased stress and anxiety (29%).

Those with poor physical or mental health have been especially impacted by the cost of living crisis, responses suggest.

The full report is available soon.