The number of households who can’t afford to heat their homes properly has more than doubled in the past year, according to the latest CSO stats.
7% of households across the country, up from 3% in 2021, say they don’t have enough money to “adequately heat their home” this winter.
This means that one in 14 homes could be cold this Christmas.
The findings were part of the CSO’s Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILT), Enforced Deprivation.
The survey also showed that almost 900,000 people experienced deprivation in 2022, with almost a quarter of a million of these children. This figure is up 185,000 on 2021.
And the survey revealed that one in two households reported they had difficulty paying their bills or making ends meet at some time this year.
Social Justice Ireland’s Suzanne Rogers said it was clear the cost of living crisis is having a “devastating” impact and she said the Government must act.
The SVP (Society of St Vincent de Paul) said they were “deeply concerned, but unfortunately not surprised” that 900,000 households had to go without essentials during the year.
CSO’s Eva O'Regan, Statistician in the Income, Wealth and Consumption (ICW) Division of the CSO, said: “Results from the Central Statistics Office Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2022, found that 17% of people are experiencing enforced deprivation, up from almost 14% in 2021.
“In 2022, over 7% of people are living in households unable to afford to keep the house adequately warm.
“This is up from 3% in 2021.”
Social Justice Ireland’s Ms Rogers said: “This shows us the impact that the rising cost of living is having on people’s daily lives.
“The latest figures show that households with one adult and one or more children, those who are unemployed and people not at work due to illness or disability continue to experience the highest rates of deprivation.
“This is a persistent problem, and one the Government must urgently address.
“The figures released today offer some insight into living standards across the State.
“Of particular concern to us in Social Justice Ireland is the increase in deprivation rates in the most vulnerable groups: one parent households, people with a disability, and people who are unemployed.
“These groups are among those most impacted by the rising cost of living, and they need support.
“People in low paid jobs and those in rented accommodation are also experiencing increases in deprivation.
“Government should immediately support these groups by increasing core social welfare rates, making tax credits refundable and by introducing a Living Wage of €13.85 per hour.”
SVP Research and Policy Officer, Issy Petrie said: “While it is clear that almost everyone is feeling the impact of inflation, this data shows that the most vulnerable households are in crisis.
“We are really concerned about the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children, one parent families, people living alone, people with disabilities and those who are unemployed.
“People on low and fixed incomes are clearly at the brink, battling a rising tide of high rents, growing bills, whilst often juggling health conditions and caring responsibilities.”
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