Almost 50,000 households in Sheffield are unable to pay their bills, according to a new cost of living report published by the city council. These households are described as having a "negative budget", meaning they cannot afford necessary costs even after claiming all benefit entitlements and reducing outgoings to essentials.
Citizens Advice estimates that 47,500 people in Sheffield have negative budgets. The report states that poverty in the city predates the current cost-of-living crisis, reflecting long-term inequalities in income, employment, health, housing, and opportunity. It also notes that years of financial pressure have left some households with depleted savings, debt, and arrears.
Children are particularly affected, with approximately one in three children in Sheffield living in poverty, which is "substantially above" the national rate. In the same week the report was published, a new Community Grocery pantry opened in the Woodseats area, offering food and household staples from 50p to members who pay £1 per year.
Sara Ody, 37, a customer at the new pantry, stated her finances are particularly tight while on maternity leave. John Lawson, regional lead for The Message Trust, which runs the pantry in partnership with Ikon Church, said the store aims to bridge the gap between food banks and supermarkets.