Stories

Wed, 06 May 2026

Wed, 06 May 2026 'I have to make my own dog food' - voters counting living costs on eve of election

India Lerigo makes her own dog food and batch cooks a month's worth of meals over a weekend to save money.
A woman in Cardiff, India Lerigo, makes her own dog food to save money on expensive commercial brands due to her Staffy's allergies and pickiness. She saves around £100 a month by making dog food herself and also reduces her own household bills by bulk buying and batch cooking meals. Lerigo said that before adopting this approach she spent between £400-£500 per month on food for herself and her dog, but now sticks to a budget of £250. She buys cheaper cuts of meat and adds vegetables and nutrients to create healthy meals. She consulted with her vet before making the change and has seen positive results in her dog's health. Lerigo is not alone in struggling with rising living costs; many others in Wales are facing difficulties due to increasing prices. Some individuals shared their concerns about the cost of living crisis, including:
* Sara Davies from Caerphilly, who works part-time and her husband full-time but still struggles to afford everyday expenses
* Andrew Pritchard from Cowbridge, who believes the cost of living is "bonkers" and that prices are increasing at an unsustainable rate
* Orla Williams from Llanelli, who said the crisis has pushed people to their limits
* Donna Jones from Swansea, who feels that food and energy prices continue to rise without a corresponding increase in wages Citizens Advice reports a 49% increase in requests for financial emergency assistance in 2025, with concerns about future energy price increases. Political parties have proposed different policies to address the cost of living crisis, including:
* Welsh Labour: lower bus fares, reduced energy bills, and childcare expansion
* Plaid Cymru: controlling rents, free childcare, and keeping profits from Welsh resources within Welsh communities
* Reform UK: cutting taxes and capping council tax rates
* Welsh Conservatives: cutting taxes, extending free childcare, and scrapping stamp duty.