An Oldham MP has launched a survey to determine how people are coping in the borough amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The MP for Oldham West and Royton, Jim McMahon, said figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which show people are spending less on essential items are "very worrying".

The figures compiled from the results of a survey show nearly three in every five people in deprived areas are cutting back on food and essentials - and Oldham is one of the more deprived areas in the country with one in every three children living in poverty.

In response to the statistics, the MP has launched a survey and is inviting his constituents to share their lived experience of the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr McMahon said: “With Christmas just around the corner, this is usually a time when people are looking forward to spending time with friends and family but for many people this year, worry won’t be too far from their minds. 

“Because of the Conservative-made cost of living crisis, it has been an incredibly difficult period of time for many in Chadderton, Oldham and Royton with many people having to make cutbacks.

"While Oldham’s Labour Council’s ‘We Can Help Scheme’ is providing some much-needed support, there is a lot more than the Conservative government needs to step up and do."

The MP said he launched the survey to get more information about people's day-to-day experiences and so that he can inform Parliament on the issues in the coming weeks and months.

The survey can be accessed here:  https://jimmcmahoncouk.wordpress.com/2022/12/02/jim-mcmahon-mp-launches-survey-on-cost-of-living/

UPDATE: The survey is currently being amended and the link is temporarily out of action.

Constituents who wish to get in touch in the meantime with their concerns about the cost of living crisis can contact the casework team by emailing jim.mcmahon.mp@parliament.uk