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What households say is driving higher living costs

Among adults in Great Britain who reported that their cost of living had increased, the share citing each cause.

What households say is driving higher living costs

Great Britain · May 2026 · Source: Office for National Statistics

Chart: SupportFund. Source data: Office for National Statistics. Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: May 2026. Last checked 12 August 2026. View original source

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93%

Food was the biggest reported driver of rising household costs

Among adults reporting a rise in their cost of living, 93% cited the price of food shopping.

Source: Office for National Statistics — Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: May 2026

Period: May 2026

Last checked: 12 August 2026

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77%

Fuel prices were another major source of financial pressure

Among adults reporting a rise in their cost of living, 77% cited the price of fuel.

Source: Office for National Statistics — Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: May 2026

Period: May 2026

Last checked: 12 August 2026

View original source

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61%

Energy bills remained a major contributor to higher living costs

Among adults reporting an increased cost of living, 61% cited gas or electricity bills.

Source: Office for National Statistics — Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: May 2026

Period: May 2026

Last checked: 12 August 2026

View original source

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