Single parents hardest hit by cost of living crisis, impacting ECEC choices

Single parent families on low incomes are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living, with nine in every ten going without essentials in the past 12 months according to a report by peak social services body NCOSS. 

 

The report also revealed that 84 per cent of single parents could not afford quality meals for their children, and 82 per cent had no savings set aside for emergencies.

 

The findings in the Impossible Choices: Decisions NSW communities shouldn’t have to make report will be of interest to those in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector who work directly with disadvantaged families, as well as for approved providers who are seeking to provide a more holistic response to families in their care. 

 

NCOSS CEO Cara Varian said the research had demonstrated the extreme impacts being felt by households on low incomes and below the poverty line. 

 

“Single parents are undoubtedly the hardest hit cohort in this research,” Ms Varian said.

 

“These impossible choices make every day a challenge and, most disturbingly, we are setting up intergenerational disadvantage. We must do better.”

Children are bearing the brunt of the growing cost of living pressures, with parents cutting back spending on meals, essential healthcare, and education resources.

 

“The ripple effects of these sacrifices are profound, causing increased stress and tension within households, affecting relationships, mental health and wellbeing, and child development outcomes,” Ms Varian continued.

 

“Most people on low incomes in this survey were working, many taking on additional jobs and hours but still going backwards. Even those who received a pay rise could not match the increase to their costs of living.” 

 

Some of the key findings from the report include: 

 

• 92 per cent of single parents had gone without essentials to make ends meet at least once in the past 12 months.

• 82 per cent of single parents had no money set aside for emergencies.

• One in five single parents had moved in with friends and family due to cost.

• 20 per cent of children under 15 years of age had moved due to a rental termination or non-renewal.

• There is more housing stress in the city (75 per cent) than in the regions (66 per cent).

• 78 per cent of renters sought financial assistance at least once.

• 70 per cent of surveyed renters had an increase in rents.

• 77 per cent of employees attempted at least one change to their employment due to rising costs.

 

For more information, and to read the full report, visit ncoss.org.au