New analysis frames cost-of-living strains as a public health problem
Research led by academics at the University of Aberdeen has found that fuel insecurity affects a majority of adults surveyed in Scotland and that more than one in 10 people experience overlapping fuel, food and financial insecurities. The study, published in the European Journal of Public Health, argues that the current cost-of-living crisis should be considered a significant public health concern rather than merely an economic problem.
Scope and methods of the study
The team analysed data collected in 2023 by Savanta ComRes for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The survey included responses from 4,203 adults across Scotland. Rather than relying solely on income measures, researchers used a multidimensional poverty approach, assessing whether people could meet everyday essentials such as heating their homes, accessing sufficient food and managing basic finances.
Key findings
The study identified fuel insecurity as the most prevalent form of hardship. The headline figures reported are:
- 58% of respondents reported fuel insecurity — defined as the inability to heat homes adequately or falling behind on energy bills;
- 28% reported food insecurity — such as skipping meals, reducing portions or using a foodbank because of cost or availability;
- 22% experienced financial insecurity — problems paying bills, managing unexpected costs or avoiding problem debt;
- More than one in 10 adults experienced all three insecurities simultaneously.
“Multidimensional poverty” looks at whether people can meet basic needs such as fuel, food and finances.
Older adults particularly affected
The research highlights that lower-income adults aged 35 to 74 were particularly at risk of fuel insecurity. That finding is notable for local services and health providers in Aberdeen and across the north east, where cold homes and inadequate heating can exacerbate chronic health conditions and increase demand on NHS services during winter months.
Policy implications for Aberdeen and Scotland
By shifting the focus from income-only measures to overlapping deprivations, the authors contend policymakers will gain a fuller picture of hardship. For Aberdeen residents and local public services, the study underlines the need for joined-up responses that address energy, food access and financial resilience together rather than in isolation.
Local authorities, health boards and third-sector organisations already working to mitigate the effects of the cost-of-living crisis may find the multidimensional approach useful for targeting support. The study also provides evidence to inform national debate about energy subsidies, fuel poverty measures and support for older households.
| Measure | Proportion reporting issue |
|---|---|
| Fuel insecurity | 58% |
| Food insecurity | 28% |
| Financial insecurity | 22% |
| All three insecurities | More than 10% |
The study was authored by Sarah Champagne and Dr Aravinda Guntupalli from the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, together with Professor Euan Phimister from the Business School at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Stellenbosch. Their work highlights limitations of traditional income-based poverty measures and seeks to reframe the cost-of-living crisis as a matter for public health planning as well as economic policy.
Locally, the findings will be of interest to NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Council and community organisations providing winter support and food aid, all of which face operational and budgetary pressures as they try to protect vulnerable households.
