The Bills Don’t Add Up: Giving a Voice to Those Living Through the Cost-of-Living Crisis

We hear the phrase “cost-of-living crisis” used frequently in the media and by politicians, often as part of a political point-scoring exercise. But beyond the headlines and political debates, what does it really mean for everyday people?

On Tuesday 13 October, a group of people with first-hand experience of the cost-of-living crisis came together to demand change, ask difficult questions and, most importantly, share their stories.

It was a powerful and moving day that highlighted a reality we can no longer ignore: this crisis does not affect only those on the lowest incomes. It reaches working people, families, single-adult households, pensioners and students alike. Many of these people are the backbone of our society — the very people we applauded during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are the people who keep our shelves stocked, care for older and disabled people, and keep our NHS running.

Yet, despite working long hours and making vital contributions to society, too many are struggling to make ends meet. They are facing impossible choices: putting food on the table, keeping their homes warm, paying their bills and finding enough money to enjoy life without the constant burden of guilt, anxiety or financial insecurity. For many, even the prospect of Christmas brings additional worry about how to afford the essentials, let alone make it a special time for their families.

We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, where enormous fortunes exist alongside widespread financial hardship. With so much wealth and so many essential services and resources shaped by privatisation, it is only right that we ask: why are so many people struggling, and what needs to change?

It is easy to point fingers while politicians debate who is to blame. But political arguments alone do not put food in cupboards, heat in homes or money back into people’s pockets. What people need is meaningful action, practical solutions and a clear plan to ease the financial pressure they face every single day.

On Tuesday, organisations including UNISON, Cost of Living Action and ACORN came together alongside people determined to make their voices heard. We listened to care workers who dedicate their lives to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our society — people who may not always have the opportunity or ability to speak up for themselves. Their stories highlighted how unfair systems, poor support and financial pressures are creating real hardship, placing enormous strain on workers and taking a serious toll on their mental health and wellbeing.

We also heard from unpaid carers who support sick and disabled family members, often with little or no help and left to navigate complex systems on their own. Alongside them were single working parents facing soaring childcare and rental costs, struggling to balance household bills and, in some cases, forced to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their children.

In 2026, in the United Kingdom, these are not the circumstances people should have to accept as normal. Yet these experiences are a daily reality for far too many, and for those living through them, the prospect of things improving can feel painfully distant.

That is why we came together on Tuesday. We wanted these voices to be heard, these experiences to be recognised and those in positions of power to understand the human cost behind the statistics.

Hundreds of people gathered peacefully outside Parliament, united by one clear message: “The Bills Don’t Add Up.” We met with our MPs, raised our concerns and challenged them to explain when a meaningful plan would be put in place to address this ongoing crisis.

The day was thought-provoking, emotional and, at times, deeply difficult. Listening to people speak so openly about the impact of financial hardship was a powerful reminder that behind every bill, every missed payment and every difficult decision is a person, a family and a story that deserves to be heard.

But the day also demonstrated something equally important: we are stronger when we stand together.

When people share their experiences, support one another and collectively demand change, it becomes much harder for those in power to ignore what is happening. Our stories matter. Our voices matter. And the people struggling to get by deserve more than political debate and empty promises — they deserve action.

The message is simple: the bills don’t add up, and something has to change.

A view from COLA's grassroots campaigners on our Day of Action in Westminster - calling for a 'cost of living budget', written by Kaysey Moseley.