One in four people are cutting back on food and utilities due to pandemic

That's according to a new report which shows that almost one in ten tenants are falling behind on their rent.

A new report commissioned by St Vincent de Paul shows many people are facing a multitude of financial pressures due to the pandemic including loss of income, increased household expenditure on basics, erosion of savings to meet ordinary living expenses, falling behind on bills and being forced to cut back on essentials like food, heating and electricity.

43% of the population reported experiencing at least one form of financial strain due to the Covid-19 pandemic with 22% using savings to meet ordinary living expenses, 14% falling behind on bills and 7% going into debt to meet ordinary living expenses.

Groups that were vulnerable to poverty prior to the pandemic including low-income families with children, lone parents, renters, and people with disabilities are experiencing the most adverse affects of the pandemic.

SVP says the research shows the financial impact of the pandemic is not felt evenly across the population.