Thousands in poverty suffering from health problems in Copeland

The findings come as public health organisations warn of disastrous consequences if people cannot heat their homes this winter.

New estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggest there were around 13,400 people living in poverty in private households in Copeland as of March 2021 – 2,385 (18 per cent) of whom had a cardiovascular or respiratory condition.

Though research did not find that rates of conditions were higher for those in poverty than not, the ONS said that as people in poverty are more exposed to the cold, they are more likely to be hospitalised.

Last year, a separate study from the Institute of Health Equity at University College London cautioned that living in fuel poverty can have "dangerous consequences" on health, particularly among children.

Talking about this study, Sir Michael Marmot, director of the institute, said: “Warm homes, nutritious food and a stable job are vital building blocks for health.”

The report warns that alongside higher exposure to viruses, dust and mould as a result of the cold, living in poverty also comes with psychological pressures.

“If we are constantly worrying about making ends meet it puts a strain on our bodies, resulting in increased stress, with effects on the heart and blood vessels and a disordered immune system,” Sir Michael added.

Of the 10.8 million people living in poverty across England as of March 2021, 1.3 million were estimated to be suffering from heart or breathing issues – with a particularly high concentration in coastal areas and in the North West.

A recent survey for the Royal Society of Public Health found that 41 per cent of the population at large are worried that the cost-of-living crisis is impacting their physical health.

Responding to the findings, the organisation's chief executive, William Roberts, said that the UK "cannot afford to be on the back foot" when it comes to tackling health inequalities.

“The cost-of-living crisis is a public health crisis and prevention of ill-health is key to supporting the financial growth and wellbeing of the nation,” he added.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We have prioritised health and social care in the Autumn Statement with a further £8 billion, on top of previous record funding, to ensure people can access high quality care as soon as possible.”

“We are supporting people with the cost-of-living crisis, with £1,200 of support for the most vulnerable households and have provided more than £3.4 billion this year to local authorities in England to tackle issues including alcohol use, obesity and smoking,” they added.

Copeland Council have taken action over some issues regarding poverty by introducing a children’s charter to help tackle child poverty in the area.

Copeland is to be the first borough in the county to adopt a children’s charter. It aims to work with young people to help change attitudes, promote health and wellbeing, give children’s voices a platform and offer guidance on staying safe.

The Council is also part of an innovative scheme putting healthy food at the heart of communities.

The council, along with Allerdale Council, has funded a £20,000 scheme looking at improving health and wellbeing using food which would otherwise be wasted. 

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