THE cost of living crisis is forcing local families to shift their priorities, giving up luxuries to help afford the necessities said a Bridgwater mum.

Inflation has risen by 5.5 per cent in the 12 months to January 2022 with petrol, food and clothing seeing particularly steep rises.

As a result, consumers are having to re-evaluate their finances.

Meg Boucher, a Bridgwater mother, recently was interviewed by ITV news about the crisis and how it is affecting her life.

She explained that despite having two jobs she still struggles to make ends meet.

Speaking on her thoughts on the cost of living crisis, Meg said: "It doesn’t take much retrospective thought to recall what life was life for the average family on a Sunday just a few years ago.

"It is crucial for us to turn our attention to the devastating impact that the increase in cost of living is having on the average family life."

She said that: "The question is no longer ‘will’ but at ‘what’ point will families reach breaking point?

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"As a mother to a two-year-old child who has the ability to out-eat an entire zoo worth of hefty animals, I am now finding it next to impossible to budget – because the prediction is the income won’t match the outgoings.

"This year alone, the consumer price index measured a rise of 5.5% on everyday items – the biggest increase since the early 90's, it’s no wonder we are beginning to see an impact."

In an additional blow to the pockets of families, in April, National Insurance, council tax and gas prices are set to rise.

In one of her jobs, Meg works as a family worker for a local church, where she sees a wide group of people all struggling.

"I am beginning to see a much wider group of people struggling to maintain their standard of living.

"Those who could be considered to be ‘just about managing’ are now finding themselves in the struggling category.

"The option to act charitably and take something to the foodbank has turned to 'actually, this is affecting our budget now, we are struggling as well'."

Boucher said it raises the question: "should the ever-widening gap of food poverty and experiential loss for families fall on the voluntary and charitable sector?"

Meg Boucher is a Labour Party member and is considering standing for election in May.