Nearly 66% of adults have reported a worsening cost of living crisis over the past month, according to official figures. Data from the Office for National Statistics highlights that energy and food costs continue to burden people’s finances. Approximately 1 in 30 adults have faced situations where they ran out of food and couldn’t afford more, with the percentage escalating to 8% in the most deprived areas of England, particularly affecting renters and individuals with disabilities.
Moreover, nearly 60% of respondents mentioned cutting back on dining out, indicating the significant strain on restaurants and pubs striving to stay afloat. The survey underscores the pressing concern of the cost of living crisis, with the Labour party pledging to prioritize addressing this issue in the upcoming year, acknowledging its impact on voters, especially as local elections approach.
The ONS survey emphasized that the cost of living is the top concern for the majority of adults (88%), surpassing other key issues such as the NHS, the economy, immigration, crime, and housing. The survey conducted between the start of December and the beginning of December captured the financial strains intensified during the holiday season.
Findings revealed that 62% of respondents experienced an increase in their cost of living compared to a month ago, with a notable rise among disabled adults. The most common cost escalations included food prices (94%), energy bills (68%), and fuel costs (46%). Additionally, a significant portion of respondents resorted to strategies like eating out less, purchasing cheaper food items, and seeking discounts to manage their expenses.
The survey highlighted that around one-third of individuals struggling to pay energy bills found it challenging to afford them, and a notable percentage reported difficulties in maintaining a comfortably warm home. Women exhibited higher concerns about the cost of living compared to men, with worries prevalent among various demographics including the unemployed, retired individuals, and self-employed individuals.
The ongoing data trends underscore the pervasive impact of the cost of living crisis on individuals across various sectors of society.