In July, Centre for Cities published a report showing that cities and large towns in the north are more affected by the cost of living crisis than other places due to higher energy usage stemming from poor housing quality and car-dependency, and the failure of wages to keep pace with inflation. Our cost of living tracker consistently demonstrates that there is a clear uneven geography to the cost of living crisis, with Burnley, Blackpool and Blackburn emerging as the places experiencing the highest inflation.

Following the announcement of the £2500 energy cap and as energy use begins to increase for the Winter, Centre for Cities hosted this panel discussion exploring the causes and impact of the uneven geography of the cost of living crisis.

Speakers:

Cllr Afrasiab Anwar MBE, Leader of Burnley Council

Zoe Guijarro, Principal Policy Manager, Citizens Advice

Paul Swinney, Director of Policy and Research, Centre for Cities

Presenter: Guilherme Rodrigues, Analyst, Centre for Cities

Chair: Andrew Carter, Chief Executive, Centre for Cities

There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions.