Lack of support for young people in education, transport and mental health provision has “had a negative impact” according to a new report from the Youth Select Committee.
On Wednesday 6th March, the Youth Select Committee launched its report investigating the impact of the cost of living on young people’s health and wellbeing. The Committee has ruled that transformative economic shifts have impacted young people’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.
The cost of living was investigated following a 2022 UK-wide ballot of over half a million young people aged 11 to 18, in which young people declared health and wellbeing their biggest concern. Titled ‘The impact of the cost of living crisis on young people’, the report is the UK’s first full and comprehensive review into the impact the cost of living has had on this demographic.
The cost of living crisis has had a negative impact on young people, across many aspects
of their lives.
Many young people are facing food insecurity, which can have detrimental effects to
young people’s physical and mental health. Increasingly, young people cannot afford a
nutritious lunch during the school day.
State benefits do not cover the cost of essentials like food, which is particularly sensitive
to price increases due to inflation. Everyone should be able to afford life’s essentials.
Support for students does not cover living costs, such as rent for student accommodation.
This can prevent young people from continuing their education.
Lack of affordable transport prevents young people from accessing work, education and
social activities.
Young people from marginalised communities are more likely to be impacted by the
cost of living crisis.
Growing financial insecurity is worsening young people’s mental health. The provision
of young people’s mental health support services is not sufficient.
Young people are not sufficiently included in the development of policies which affect
them.
Find out more about the Committee’s key findings and recommendations.