Iain Dale left shaken as caller shares harrowing battle against poverty
16 August 2022, 19:09
Caller's plight leaves Iain Dale shaken amid cost of living crisis
This LBC caller tells Iain Dale that he is left 38 pence short after paying his bills each month – before buying food for himself and his two children.
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One in six Brits are now skipping meals to save money amid the cost of living crisis.
Extortionate rises in energy bills, along with inflation and interest rate hikes have left millions struggling to make ends meet.
Read more: Workers suffer biggest drop in real pay since records began as inflation continues to soar
"I'm trying to get my costs down as much as possible" caller 'David' told Iain Dale in a conversation on the spiralling cost of living.
He explained that as someone on universal credit, after paying all his bills he is left in the red, before feeding his two children who live with him half the time.
Read more: Homeless caller's heartbreaking story leaves LBC listeners in tears
Read more: Crying single mum tells LBC she's eating her children's leftovers due to energy costs
Iain Dale speaks to food charity boss as record numbers skip meals
Ugh!! @IainDale this caller. Has me in tears because the goodness of people is really shining through above the noise of the mean ones. @LBC
— The Madam-Editor (@TheMadamEditor) August 16, 2022
After telling Iain that he's using credit cards to plug the gap, he admitted that he's at the point of worrying about being cut off.
Read more: 'I couldn't afford my bills': Caller 'had to leave' NHS nurse job
"Does it affect your mental health?"
"I worry about the kids", the caller said, adding that if he had passed a driving test, it would open a number of doors.
The caller went on to state that "one of the biggest drawbacks" of his situation is that he can't get out without a licence, as he sees currently.
@LBC Hi Iain, this is absolutely tragic listening to these desperately sad people. I feel for each and every one of them and only wish my pension was generous enough to offer help
— Petrina Heward (@TheRealHeward) August 16, 2022
The guy you're talking to - WFH is the answer. He could apply for CS roles etc @LBC @IainDale
— Phillip (@Me_Phillip) August 16, 2022
"I don't know what to say to make your situation better," a dejected Iain admitted.
Read more: Homeless Caller Overjoyed As LBC Listener Offers Him A Job
LBC listeners showed their generosity by then asking to be put in contact with the caller, to help him pass his driving test, or to even give him a job.
The caller was overwhelmed with gratitude: "If I passed my driving test, that would make an amazing difference to my life."
