Salvos’ report reveals the stark realities of economic hardship
The Economic & Social Impact Survey (ESIS) 2017 is the sixth consecutive report by The Salvation Army into the daily reality of those Australians living in financial hardship. Based on interviews with 1380 respondents who accessed the Salvos’ Emergency Relief services, the report reveals some harsh facts about the gap between people’s incomes and the real cost of living.
For example, the Survey found that those respondents who received government income support had to live on $17.14 per day after paying accommodation costs. Single parents are even worse off, left with only $14.35 per day to live on. On average, respondents spent $109 per week on groceries and other essentials, and $73 per week on utility bills.
As a result of their financial hardship, more than half of the respondents (56%) cut down on basic necessities; 54% borrowed money from friends and/or family; and 49% were unable to pay or delayed paying bills. When respondents ran out of money altogether, 51% accessed vouchers/emergency relief; 45% had gone without meals; 32% contacted Centrelink for an advance payment; and 31% sold or pawned their belongings.
On top of this daily cost of living pressure, respondents could not afford some of the basic things that most of us take for granted. These included:
- $500 in savings for emergencies (90%)
- Dental treatment (67%), medical treatment (36%) or medicines prescribed by a doctor (34%)
- A washing machine (33%), fridge (27%) or heating/cooling (33%)
- An internet connection (57%) or telephone (26%)
- Regular social contact (54%)
- A substantial meal at least once a day (23%).
Of households with children aged 17 or younger, approximately 1 in 5 could not afford medical treatment or medicine prescribed by the doctor, and nearly 1 in 3 could not afford a yearly dental check-up for their child.
Fifty percent could not afford up to date school items and 56% did not have the money to participate in school activities. More than half could not afford a hobby or outside activities for their child and almost 3 in 5 respondents could not afford an internet connection for their child.
Perhaps of greatest concern, of households with children, nearly 2 in 5 could not afford fresh fruit or vegetables every day and nearly 1 in 4 could not afford three meals a day for their child.
Each year, The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal raises funds to assist over 1 million people access vital support and emergency services, such as food and housing.
As a proud partner with The Salvation Army, Lumo Energy encourages you to support the 2017 Red Shield Appeal by donating via https://www.my.salvationarmy.org.au/donation/lumo, or during the annual Red Shield Appeal Doorknock, taking place on Saturday 27 May and Sunday 28 May.
Date:
24 May 2017
Category:
Lumo Community
