As the UK descends into various tiers of lockdown restrictions for the second time this year, known as local ‘Covid Alert Levels’, new research shows that some of the top cities in England with the highest percentage of people living alone – are also dealing with the highest tiers of restrictions.
The new research by insurance comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk, shows the top 5 cities with the highest concentration of people living alone are Coventry with 21%, Leeds 20%, Liverpool 20%, London 23% and Sunderland 22%. Two of those, Liverpool and Leeds, are facing or could be about to face the highest level of Covid-19 restrictions. Tier 3 or ‘very high’ Covid alert level, means a significant number of people in those communities could become particularly isolated.
Tier 3 bans social mixing indoors and in private gardens – it also means the closure of pubs and bars. Although support bubbles will be allowed, it’s likely that those living alone during the lockdown will feel the impact more strongly, especially as we build towards the festive season.
The findings are based on a sample of over 350,000 home insurance policies collated over the last two years – analysed to reveal the country’s highest concentrations of single person households.
Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “When we analysed our data we realised that a number of the cities with the highest concentrations of single person households are also dealing with Tier 3 lockdowns at present, which means many members of those communities are particularly vulnerable.
“The Christmas season normally sees a spike in burglaries and theft due to the darker winter nights and the increased value of items on your property, such as gifts. If you do live alone you can add extra security with timers for your lights, a burglar alarm, join your local neighbourhood watch scheme, outdoor motion sensor lighting, upgrade doors to uPVC or composite with five lever mortice deadlock locks and a peephole for checking ID.
“Even CCTV cameras are now fairly inexpensive and unobtrusive – with an app that connects to your mobile. Some of these measures may even help bring the cost of your home insurance down, so it’s an investment worth exploring.”
The Pandemic has also taken its toll on mental health across the nation and the Centre for Mental Health has predicted that up to 10 million people will need support as a direct result of Covid-19.
In contrast to those cities with the highest concentration of people living alone, Quotezone.co.uk’s research revealed that Exeter, Salisbury, Truro and Ely were the least lonely with just 16% in a single person household.
Quotezone.co.uk help customers get the best policy at a competitive price and is one of the UK’s largest insurance comparison websites, comparing over 50 home insurance providers.