A new government, plan to bring a new approach. With Labour having committed to addressing the cost of living, incoming changes will be associated with proposed pledges spanning from energy to housing and childcare. These proposed plans will have an impact on organisations working directly with the public. 

So, what can we expect from a new government? 

Energy 
With the goal of easing financial burdens, Labour proposes to dedicate efforts to reducing utility costs for all households. It comes after government statistics found that 13% of households were classified as living in fuel poverty last year. The impact of high energy costs is significant.  

For financial year 23-24, the number of emergency fuel vouchers issued by Auriga increased by 54.5% compared to the previous period, with the total distributed worth more than £18.6m. 

Food 
The Labour party also aims to tackle food prices. The overall price of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by around 25% from Jan 2022 to Jan 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The sad reality is that high food prices have left many unable to provide for themselves and their families.  

From April to Dec 2023, Auriga issued £3,000,000 worth of food vouchers on behalf of our partners and provided 10,077 free school meal vouchers in a single day to support families during the Easter school holidays. 

Childcare 
The Labour government has pledged to enhance access and roll out free breakfast clubs in every primary school across the country. This is poignant as areas with lower access to childcare are more likely to have less disposable income per household and a greater proportion of children living in poverty, as outlined by ONS analysis.  

Last year Auriga identified £4,800,000 in additional income for our partner organisations’ customers, supporting 16,926 individuals to maximise their income. 

Moving forward, public organisations have a vital role to play, providing ongoing and interim public benefit services through grants and welfare support, to education. From issuing crisis support vouchers and expert income maximisation advice, to application assessments and fund management, Auriga can deliver at all stages of a support scheme; and has done since 2004. 

Why not partner with Auriga? Find out how to help your customers through a range of support solutions.