Black households will be bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis this winter as they are more than five times more likely to be struggling with their energy bills, Labour has claimed. An analysis by Labour of Office for National Statistics (ONS) data found that over two thirds of black adults (69%) are finding it difficult to afford their energy bills, compared with under half of all adults (45%).
It said one in five black adults (21%) are saying they are behind on payments, compared with 5% of all adults. The analysis also found that half (52%) of black adults reported finding it difficult to afford their rent or mortgage compared to under a third (30%) of all adults, with 9% of black adults being behind on their payments, compared to 3% of all adults.
Shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds accused the Conservatives of failing to "get a grip" on the cost-of-living crisis, insisting Labour has a "long-term plan" to tackle the "structural racism that scars our society". She said her party would put forward "common-sense policies" such as insulating homes and would help with the cost of broadband and childcare.
