ACO research into appliance poverty

Living without white goods such as fridges, freezers and washing machines can directly affect the wellbeing and financial health of many people living without them. 

An estimated 480,000 households, or 1.2 million people in the UK are in appliance poverty; they are living without essential white goods. The absence of household appliances such as fridges, washing machines and cookers can sometimes lead to higher living expenses and burdens as families may have to wash clothes by hand, use laundrettes and buy convenience food instead of storing fresh fruit and vegetables in the fridge. This has a huge impact of wellbeing, independence and financial and physical health. 

The ACO’s research highlights how these items are essential to the wellbeing of UK families, which has been measured at a monetary value; Appliances not only promote more life satisfaction and wellbeing but can have a knock-on effect on financial improvement. For example, the introduction of a washing machine for one year can improve life satisfaction by 0.4%, which has been monetised at £7,200 using HM Treasury guidance and methodology. We’re proud to have been a part of this research to prevent appliance poverty across the UK, along with several other great charities. 

To view the full report and read more about what ACO do, take a look at the summary here. 

If you’re living without a household appliance due to financial struggle, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can help.