The housing costs inflation rate for low-income households in the United Kingdom was noticeably higher than that of high-income ones between April 2022 and April 2023, during a serious cost of living crisis in the UK. As of June 2024, however, the inflation rate for high-income households was higher than that of middle or low incomes ones.

In June 2024, the household cost inflation rate (HCI) for low-income households in the United Kingdom was 1.7 percent, compared with 2.3 percent for middle-income households, and 3.3 percent for high-income households. Unlike other measures of inflation such as the consumer price index (CPI) the HCI isn't based on a fixed basket of goods, but is weighted to show how price changes affect different households by their economic status.

In June 2025, 62 percent of households in Great Britain reported that their cost of living had increased in the previous month, compared with 72 percent in April. Although the share of people reporting a cost of living increase has generally been falling since August 2022, when 91 percent of households reported an increase, the most recent figures indicate that the Cost of Living Crisis is still ongoing for many households in the UK. Crisis ligers even as inflation falls Although various factors have been driving the Cost of Living Crisis in Britain, high inflation has undoubtedly been one of the main factors. After several years of relatively low inflation, the CPI inflation rate shot up from 2021 onwards, hitting a high of 11.1 percent in October 2022. In the months since that peak, inflation has fallen to more usual levels, and was 2.5 percent in December 2024, slightly up from 1.7 percent in September. Since June 2023, wages have also started to grow at a faster rate than inflation, albeit after a long period where average wages were falling relative to overall price increases. Economy continues to be the main issue for voters Ahead of the last UK general election, the economy was consistently selected as the main issue for voters for several months. Although the Conservative Party was seen by voters as the best party for handling the economy before October 2022, this perception collapsed following the market's reaction to Liz Truss' mini-budget. Even after changing their leader from Truss to Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives continued to fall in the polls, and would go onto lose the election decisively. Since the election, the economy remains the most important issue in the UK, although it was only slightly ahead of immigration and health as of January 2025.

People in Great Britain's experiences of and actions following increases in their costs of living, and how these differed by a range of personal characteristics.

In May 2022, 49 percent of people in the United Kingdom advised that they were highly dissatisfied with the government's response to the cost of living crisis. High inflation has caused an economic crisis in the UK, with 87 percent of people reporting an increase in their cost of living as of March 2022.

According to an April 2023 survey conducted by We Are Social and Statista Q, about 68 percent of UK consumers spend less on non-essentials in reaction to the cost of living crisis, whereas 63 percent pay more attention to bargains, good deals, or offers (when shopping). Similarly, more than half of respondents use less gas and electricity in their homes to deal with the situation.

In a survey carried out in August 2023, about 28 percent of respondents in the United Kingdom stated that they were eating less healthily to save money. More concretely, about 19 percent stated they were eating more ready meals and processed foods.

In response to the cost of living crisis, the government of the United Kingdom announced a series of measures to help households in the country. The most widespread of these packages was a 400 British pound energy bill grant announced in 2022, which was allocated to all households in the country. The measure with the highest overall value was the cost of living payment, which will saw approximately eight million UK households on low income receive 650 pounds in two separate payments in 2022, and a further 900 pounds paid in three installments throughout the 2023/24 financial year.

The inflation rate in United Kingdom reached a 41-year record high in October 2022. High energy bills, soaring food costs, and various other issues have caused the UK inflation rates to remain in double-digits ever since September last year. This has forced people to look for new ways to deal with the ongoing cost of living crisis, and social media seems to be one of them. Which social media platforms have the most relevant content for consumers to deal with the ongoing situation? According to a survey by We Are Social and Statista Q, around 57 percent of UK TikTok users find helpful content there. Claiming the joint second spot on this list are YouTube and Facebook. Instagram comes on number five on this list, as 41 percent of Instagram users find helpful content there to deal with this crisis.

The economy was seen by 49 percent of people in the UK as one of the top three issues facing the country in June 2025. The ongoing cost of living crisis afflicting the UK, driven by high inflation, is still one of the main concerns of Britons. Immigration has generally been the second most important issue since the middle of 2024, just ahead of health, which was seen as the third-biggest issue in the most recent month. Labour's popularity continues to sink in 2025 Despite winning the 2024 general election with a strong majority, the new Labour government has had its share of struggles since coming to power. Shortly after taking office, the approval rating for Labour stood at -2 percent, but this fell throughout the second half of 2024, and by January 2025 had sunk to a new low of -47 percent. Although this was still higher than the previous government's last approval rating of -56 percent, it is nevertheless a severe review from the electorate. Among several decisions from the government, arguably the least popular was the government withdrawing winter fuel payments. This state benefit, previously paid to all pensioners, is now only paid to those on low incomes, with millions of pensioners not receiving this payment in winter 2024. Sunak's pledges fail to prevent defeat in 2024 With an election on the horizon, and the Labour Party consistently ahead in the polls, addressing voter concerns directly was one of the best chances the Conservatives had of staying in power in 2023. At the start of that year, Rishi Sunak attempted to do this by setting out his five pledges for the next twelve months; halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce national debt, cut NHS waiting times, and stop small boats. A year later, Sunak had at best only partial success in these aims. Although the inflation rate fell, economic growth was weak and even declined in the last two quarters of 2023, although it did return to growth in early 2024. National debt was only expected to fall in the mid to late 2020s, while the trend of increasing NHS waiting times did not reverse. Small boat crossings were down from 2022, but still higher than in 2021 or 2020. .

Over the five years through 2024-25, the Financial Management industry's revenue is set to dip at a compound annual rate of 0.2% to £13.7 billion, caused by unfavourable demand conditions following the cost-of-living crisis and the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic damaged mergers and acquisitions, dropping from £55.6 billion in 2019 to £16.3 billion in 2020 according to the ONS. The cost-of-living crisis further reduced consumer spending, extending economic difficulties into winter 2023 and triggering a recession. These factors decreased business investments in financial management services as companies focused on cutting costs. Despite these obstacles, the industry maintained stability by offering countercyclical services, aiding businesses in efficient cost management while maintaining operations. Since the EU's 2016 Audit Regulation and Directive limited non-audit fees, financial managers have expanded client bases and explored new income sources to balance these caps. With a 2026 deadline to separate audits from non-audit services, pressure is high, particularly for top companies like the Big Four. Technological advancements are also enabling companies to perform tasks internally that were traditionally outsourced to consultants, tightening the market, especially for smaller clients. Intensified competition and decreased demand are driving the financial management sector towards greater innovation. Following a five-year downturn, business spending has begun to recover in 2024-25, driven by increased M&A activity. Business confidence reached an 11-month high in March 2024, according to S&P Global Flash UK PMI. With inflation cooling to 3.2% in March 2024 from 10.1% the previous year, more resources have been available for financial management and M&A efforts. Revenue is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2024-25. Over the five years through 2029-30, industry revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.3% to reach £16.1 billion. Improving economic conditions and continued business confidence will push more businesses to increase their spending and invest in M&A activity, increasing demand for advice on managing their finances. In addition, continued low inflation will aid costs for both financial managers and their clients, bolstering profit.

This statistic shows the percentage change in the quantity of goods bought (retail sales volume) in Great Britain, from January 2017 to August 2023. The volume of all retail sales since April 2022 to August 2023 saw a decline, with a drop of 0.4 percent reported in the most recent period. The decline in retail sales is seen as an impact of the cost of living crisis and inflation in the UK and elsewhere in world.

In May 2025, the net favorability rating for the current British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, was -46 percent, compared with -39 percent for Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Starmer's popularity has fallen considerably since taking office in July 2024, and as of this month, was noticeably less popular than the Reform Party leader, Nigel Farage, and Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey.
Labour win the 2024 general election Towards the end of May 2024, Rishi Sunak announced that the next UK general election will happen on July 4, 2024. In this election, the Labour Party won a huge overall majority, the first time the party has won a general election since 2005. The Conservative's by contrast, are heading for a spell in opposition, after emerging as the largest party in the last previous four UK elections. In the run-up to the election, polls put them far behind Labour for several months, while the populist right-wing party, Reform UK, grew in popularity at the Conservative's expense. Glimmers of economic recovery not enough to save Sunak After coming to power in late 2022, Sunak's time in office coincided with a tough economic environment. The Cost of Living Crisis, driven by high inflation, pushed many UK households to the brink, while the overall economy, struggled to grow at a consistent pace. Just before he called the election, however, there was some positive economic news. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2024 was 0.6 percent, the fastest the economy had grown since the end of 2021. CPI inflation, meanwhile, was 2.3 percent in May 2024, the lowest rate in three years. Although it was ultimately not enough to save Sunak, re-establishing themselves as the best party for handling the economy would give the Conservative's a much better chance at future general elections.

As of June 2025, approximately 22 percent of people in the UK would vote for the governing Labour Party in a potential general election, behind Reform UK on 28 percent, with the Conservatives third on 18 percent. Since returning to power, support for the Labour Party has fallen considerably, with the government's sinking approval rating approaching the unpopularity of the previous government. Labour's return to power in 2024 On May 22, 2024, Rishi Sunak announced his decision to hold the 2024 general election on July 4. Sunak's surprise announcement came shortly after some positive economic figures were released in the UK, and he may have hoped this would boost his poor job ratings and perhaps also his government's low approval ratings. This was a long-shot, however, and as predicted in the polls, Labour won the 2024 general election by a landslide, winning 412 out of 650 seats. The sting in the tale for the Labour Party was that despite this large majority, they won a relatively low share of the votes and almost immediately saw their popularity fall in the second half of 2024. Sunak's five pledges in 2023 After a tough 2022, in which Britain suffered through its worst cost of living crisis in a generation, the economy was consistently identified as the main issue facing the country, just ahead of healthcare. To respond to these concerns, Rishi Sunak started 2023 with five pledges; halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce national debt, cut NHS waiting times, and stop small boats. By the end of that year, just one pledge can be said to have been fully realized, with CPI inflation falling from 10.1 percent at the start of 2023 to 4 percent by the end of it. There is some ambiguity regarding the success of some of the other pledges. The economy shrank in the last two quarters of 2023 but started to grow again in early 2024. National debt increased slightly, while small boat arrivals declined compared to 2022, but were still higher than in most other years. The pledge to cut NHS waiting times was not fulfilled either, with the number of people awaiting treatment rising in 2023.

In April 2025, 60 percent of households in Great Britain said that they had started to spend less on non-essentials in response to their cost of living increasing.

Our data takes the form of in-depth interview transcripts discussing the relationship between local independent businesses and Cambridge as a place. The first round of data collection took place in 2017 to discover, explore and evaluate the relationship between small and medium-sized businesses and community development within Cambridge. At the time of rapid change and a turbulent economic environment it was important to understand how local independent businesses interact with, and rely on, the locale and community in which they are based. Leading on from the first phase, this project and a second round of data collection was employed to return to Cambridge in 2022 to further investigate how the implementation of Brexit and the arrival of the pandemic has impacted upon local independent businesses and the original issues uncovered. The aim is to drive debate and discussion towards a more diverse local business environment. This is of key significance given micro, small, and medium sized firms (SMEs) are most at risk of failure post-pandemic and in the escalating energy crisis. Such SMEs are not just important local employers but are also the main way to increase regional resilience and make Cambridge feel like a ‘home town’ with distinctive independent retailers as opposed to how the New Economics Foundation refers to the city as a ‘clone town’ full of national chain stores and devoid of local character. Topics covered included local networking, local enterprise support, belonging, power, community development and inequality. Our recent research found that such businesses agreed that without the University of Cambridge, its unique communication channel and supply of labour, the city would be much less successful as it finds itself today. However, many businesses also felt the increased growth has led to increased pressures within the city due to constrained land supply and a tightly-drawn green belt. This, coupled with the current cost of living crisis, has seen business costs rise excessively increasing demands on already stretched independent businesses. A recurring theme throughout our study, therefore, was ‘them versus us’ regarding the power dynamic between local independent businesses (who form an integral part of the local economy) and the key stakeholders and policy makers within Cambridge. While some firms may find they succeed, it appears to be the smaller independent businesses who struggle the most within the city as they may not have sufficient footfall, nor the capital reserves required to loudly market themselves and/or overcome the high costs associated with being located within Cambridge. As such, many of these independent businesses felt unappreciated, overlooked, and under-supported.

The UK dog food market, a significant segment within the broader pet food industry, is experiencing robust growth driven by several key factors. Increasing pet ownership, particularly among younger demographics, fuels demand for high-quality dog food. This trend is further amplified by a rising awareness of pet health and nutrition, leading to increased spending on premium and specialized dog food products. The market is segmented by product type (dry, wet, treats, supplements, veterinary diets) and distribution channels (supermarkets, specialty stores, online retailers, convenience stores). While supermarkets and hypermarkets currently dominate distribution, the online channel is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by convenience and the ability to access a wider range of products. Premiumization, characterized by the increasing demand for natural, organic, and grain-free dog food, is a prominent trend, driving average selling prices upward and contributing to market expansion. However, economic factors, such as inflation and the cost of living crisis, may exert some restraint on overall market growth, potentially impacting purchasing decisions among price-sensitive consumers. Competition among established players like Mars, Nestlé Purina, and smaller niche brands is intense, with innovation in product formulation and marketing playing crucial roles in gaining market share. The UK market benefits from a strong regulatory environment focused on pet food safety and labeling, contributing to consumer confidence. Looking ahead, the continued focus on pet health and welfare, coupled with technological advancements in pet food production, will likely shape future market dynamics. The growth of the online channel is anticipated to continue, while the premiumization trend will likely persist, despite potential economic headwinds. The UK dog food market's future growth trajectory depends heavily on the success of brands in adapting to shifting consumer preferences. The rising demand for functional foods, incorporating ingredients with specific health benefits (e.g., joint health, gut health), presents a significant opportunity for growth. Brands are increasingly emphasizing transparency and traceability in their supply chains, responding to consumer demand for greater information about ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes. Sustainability concerns are also impacting purchasing decisions, with more consumers seeking eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients. Brands that can effectively cater to these evolving preferences, while maintaining competitive pricing strategies, are well-positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities within the UK dog food market. Understanding the specific needs of different dog breeds and life stages is also crucial for successful product development and market positioning. The increasing prevalence of pet insurance may also contribute positively to market growth, as insured owners may be more inclined to invest in higher-quality pet food. Recent developments include: July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.March 2023: Mars Incorporated launched new Pedigree Multivitamins, a trio of soft chews formulated to help pets with their immunity, digestion, and joints. It has been developed with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute team, vets, and pet nutritionists.March 2023: Blue Buffalo, a subsidiary of General Mills Inc., launched its new high-protein dry dog food line, BLUE Wilderness Premier Blend. It is formulated with chicken and a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.. Notable trends are: The food segment dominated the product types as they are the primary sources of nutrition regardless of dog breed size and age.

A weak spending environment amid economic headwinds casts a shadow over industry performance. Squeezed budgets amid the cost-of-living crisis were a double-edged sword for takeaways and fast-food restaurants over the two years through 2023-24: some consumers cut back on takeaways, while others traded down from full-service restaurants to takeaways and fast food. Inflationary pressures resulted in hikes in labour, energy and sourcing costs, straining profitability. Those with higher disposable incomes have been less impacted, demanding higher quality and healthier options, typically with a higher price tag. Subsiding inflation and growing consumer confidence support spending in 2024-25, though economic uncertainty persists and limits growth. Revenue is projected to drop at a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% over the five years through 2024-25, reflecting ongoing challenges. However, forecast growth of 2.1% in 2024-25 suggests a rebound in the industry as cost-of-living pressures subside. The surge of online food ordering has fuelled revenue growth. While online sales peaked during the pandemic, consumers drawn to convenience have become accustomed to ordering takeaways and fast food online. The development of state-of-the-art online platforms and third-party online ordering platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are becoming the bread and butter for takeaway and fast-food outlets, encouraging new players into the industry. Britons' growing health and sustainability consciousness presents an opportunity for takeaway and fast-food businesses to introduce more expensive organic and meat-free menu items to boost revenue and profit. Britons’ tastes for healthy and sustainable takeaway options will continue to climb. Stricter legislation regarding the adverse effects of consuming junk food will promote product development innovation and healthy fast-food alternatives, driving additional revenue streams. As workers return to the office more permanently, demand for takeaway lunch options will swell. Fast food chains will pump money into aggressive expansion plans to secure market share and streamline costs. Investment in marketing will likely swell as operators turn to social media and online advertising to attract younger consumers and secure long-term revenues. Spending on innovation will persist as major players leverage AI and technology advancements to differentiate themselves from competitors and further demand. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.9% to £26.6 billion over the years through 2029-30.

This dataset will be published as Open DataThis dataset was created by joining Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation Datazone geographies and The Priority Places for Food Index which was developed by the CDRC at the University of Leeds in collaboration with Which?.A composite index formed of data compiled across seven different dimensions relating to food insecurity risk for the four nations in the UK. This version (Version 2.1, July 2024) reflects changes to the data and policy landscape which are detailed in the user guide below.The Priority Places for Food Index (https://priorityplaces.cdrc.ac.uk/) is constructed using open data to capture complex and multidimensional aspects of food insecurity risk. The index was initially developed in response to the 2022 cost of living crisis which has put many of our communities under severe financial pressure and at an increased risk of food insecurity. Building on the CDRC e-food desert index (EFDI), but with additional domains relating to fuel poverty and family food support, the goal of the Priority Places for Food Index is to identify neighbourhoods that are most vulnerable to increases in the cost of living and which have a lack of accessibility to cheap, healthy, and sustainable sources of food.From version 1 to version 2, data have been updated across several of the seven PPFI domains. This includes new area socio-demographics, foodbank, and food retailer location data. Data relating to Free School Meal eligibility has also been updated to reflect the changing policy landscape and to address regional inconsistencies in policies. Areas may look different to version one as a result of the new data incorporated or changes to neighbourhood boundaries. Because of these data changes we recommend that you don’t make comparisons between the versions.The index can be used to inform supermarket location analytics, improve the availability of budget food lines, and to ensure scare resources are targeted effectively.Note: Subject to the Department of Health and Social Care making a statement highlighting inaccuracies in the Healthy Start Uptake data between July 2023-February 2024, we have updated Version 2 of the Priority Places for Food Index (PPFI). Version 2.1 of the PPFI replaces the October 2023 uptake of Healthy Start Vouchers values with the average voucher uptake between January and June 2023 to minimise the impact on the Priority Places for Food Index insights.