Nearly one-third of London residents aged 16 to 55 are unable to afford essential hygiene items, leaving them in a position where they struggle to maintain a normal lifestyle, according to a charity’s warning.

Research conducted by the Hygiene Bank indicates that around 30% of women in London have had to make the difficult choice between purchasing enough food or hygiene products, causing some to miss job interviews or work opportunities as a result.

In Kind Direct, a charity advocating for change, has labeled this situation a “scandal that shouldn’t exist,” joining forces with the Hygiene Bank to combat the issue.

A representative for Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, expressed his commitment to doing everything possible to assist residents facing the cost of living crisis.

Michael Gidney, chief executive of In Kind Direct, emphasized that hygiene poverty is a precursor to more severe issues, as individuals often forego basic items like toothpaste and shampoo before considering seeking help from a food bank.

“No parent should have to send their child to school without having brushed their teeth, and no one should have to miss out on opportunities due to an inability to afford soap or menstrual products,” he stated.

Data from the Hygiene Bank revealed that one in three Londoners had to choose between buying personal hygiene products for themselves or for their children, with 29% reporting that they have missed job interviews or taken sick days because they couldn’t afford these basic items.

The statistics, provided exclusively to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, also revealed that 19% of children aged six to fifteen are struggling with essential hygiene needs.

Ruth Brock, chief executive of the Hygiene Bank, remarked, “This shouldn’t be a normal part of life in Britain; we can and must work together with the government, businesses, and communities to eradicate it.”

Caroline Gandy-Brown, service and volunteer manager at the Abbey Centre in Westminster, shared the story of a mother of four who had to sacrifice her own hygiene by using the last bar of soap to wash her children and clean her home.

“I understand what it means to endure this—there’s a significant stigma attached to it,” she commented.

“Many people try to hide their struggles. Men are particularly finding it difficult to discuss these issues openly.”

She underscored the importance of funding in addressing this challenge.

In response to the crisis, City Hall has implemented measures such as freezing bus and tram fares, providing free school meals to primary school children, and offering counseling at a Cost of Living Hub.

Furthermore, ‘Baby Banks’ have been established across the capital, stocked with essentials like shampoo, body wash, detergent, and toothpaste.