A Letter to the Chancellor: Addressing the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on people with health needs
22 November 2023

NUM have co-signed a letter from the 200 member charities of National Voices to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt. In advance of the Autumn statement we urge the Treasury to invest in addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis, and provide adequate support for those most in need.

We support the following demands listed in the letter:

• Introduce free prescriptions for all
• Guarantee an NHS dentist for all
• Provide more support with costs
• Extend statutory sick time periods
• Reimburse energy costs

Additionally, in 2022, NUM asked sex workers about their experience of the cost of living crisis. Across NUM members, 70% report experiencing a direct negative impact. In London alone, 43% of sex workers say it is impossible to manage. While grappling with increased costs, sex workers have experienced significant loss of income and increased risks to their health and safety as a direct result of the crisis. It is crucial that people with health needs receive immediate support during this crisis, and we call on the Chancellor to take urgent action to alleviate suffering.