The Government must outline measures it intends to take to reduce the cost of living when it delivers tomorrow’s Speech from the Throne, according to some of the island’s charities.

The speech, which outlines the Government’s legislative agenda for the next 12 months, will be read for the final time by the Governor, Rena Lalgie.

Age Concern, the Woman’s Resource Centre and the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda all said they saw people suffering financial problems.

The WRC’s executive director, Juanae Crockwell, said that last year financial hardship accounted for 38 per cent of its overall inquiries.

“Alarmingly, an increasing number of employed women are seeking our support to secure basic resources.

“Our data shows that 57.8 per cent of our clients are employed, yet they continue to struggle to meet essential needs.

“This economic strain not only undermines their financial stability, but also takes a toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing,” said Ms Crockwell.

She added: “While the WRC remains committed to supporting these women through our services, we recognise that sustainable relief requires systemic change.

“We are hopeful that this year's Throne Speech will prioritise legislative and policy solutions to provide meaningful relief for hard-working women and families across Bermuda.

“We would welcome an expansion of the list of essential goods eligible for reduced customs tariffs, as well as stronger rent control measures to address the increasingly unaffordable rental market, which places a significant burden on many working families.”

Ms Crockwell did acknowledge that the Government had made efforts to reduce the cost of living.

“However, there are still opportunities for impactful policy implementation and regulation to alleviate the cost of living and improve financial security for all Bermudians.”

Mercedes Pringle-DeSilva, Age Concern’s executive director, echoed the WRC’s stance, adding: “In my view, a Throne Speech offers a critical opportunity for the Government to reaffirm its commitment to the needs of Bermuda’s older adults.”

She said Age Concern’s recent What’s Your Age Concern campaign survey highlighted several critical concerns impacting Bermuda’s older adults, particularly around healthcare costs, financial security, elderly care, and maintaining independence as people aged.

“Given these priorities, we hope the Throne Speech will further expand efforts to address these areas for older adults,” added Ms Pringle-DeSilva.

“Affordable health insurance with good coverage is a top concern, with many older adults struggling under the weight of high premiums and out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

“Similarly, financial security due to the cost of living remains a pressing issue. Older adults need assurance that they can meet basic needs, such as housing and food.

“Any legislative measures that provide stability in these areas would likely benefit the older population the most. Expanding financial relief in both these areas would make a significant difference for those on fixed incomes.

“Furthermore, continued support for elderly care services, such as home care and community resources, will be essential to help our older adults maintain independence.”

Ms Pringle-DeSilva said she was encouraged by a recent pledge by David Burt, the Premier, to invest $25 million in social services.

“Age Concern would welcome additional funding for programmes that assist with any of these expressed critical needs.

“As an organisation dedicated to Bermuda’s older population, we look forward to seeing these priorities reflected in the Throne Speech and stand ready to work with the Government to support our ageing community,” she added.

Nicola Paugh, the executive director of the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda, also hoped to see a reinforced commitment from the Government to address the high cost of living.

She said the issue “continues to place a significant burden on Bermuda’s most vulnerable residents”.

“Measures to increase access to affordable housing, ensure food security, and provide utility support could profoundly impact the lives of those struggling to make ends meet,” she added.

“Bermuda’s non-profit sector stands on the front lines, supporting those hardest hit by rising costs, and we hope to also see increased investment in these organisations, which serve as a crucial lifeline for our community as longer-term solutions to reduce the cost of living are pursued.”