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How households are responding to higher living costs

Actions adults in Great Britain reported taking because of increases in the cost of living.

How households are responding to 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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61%

Six in ten adults had cut spending on non-essential items

61% of adults reported spending less on non-essentials because of increases in the cost of living.

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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41%

Four in ten adults were cutting back on food and other essentials

41% reported spending less on food shopping and essentials because of increased living costs.

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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35%

More than a third were using less household energy

35% of adults said they were using less gas or electricity at home because of rising living costs.

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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