57% of UK households have reported that their cost of living had increased compared to the previous month according to Statista (a global data and business intelligence platform).
It adds to research gathered by the People’s Health Trust which found that the cost-of-living crisis means that more and more people cannot afford to buy enough food.
And only last year, Juliette Flach, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Christians Against Poverty (CAP UK), stated that: ‘22% of UK adults report being in a budget deficit, meaning their income does not cover essential expenses.
Soaring Food Prices
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), prices rose by 3% year-on-year in January 2025 in the UK, exceeding the 2% target set by the Bank of England (BoE), considered optimal for a healthy economy. The ONS explains that the increase is due to the cost of transport, particularly air travel, and food, as well as the implementation of new VAT rules for private schools, which are increasing tuition fees.
In a statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged that: “I know millions of families are still struggling to make ends meet.” In Scotland, for example, food prices increased by 6.9% in 2024, a rate higher than the UK average of 4.6%. This increase is due to disruptions in global supply chains, rising energy costs, and widespread inflation.
Food banks in distress
These alarming statistics have had a profound effect on community support groups such as foodbanks. These food parcels collection groups at reduced costs are also impacted by rising prices and no longer satisfy a population looking for palliative solutions.
According to the Trussell Trust Update (End of Year Stats, June 2024), Between April 2023 and March 2024, the number of people that used a food bank for the first time was 655,000. Food banks in the Trussell Trust network saw the highest ever levels of need as more people found their incomes did not cover the cost of essentials like heating and food.
“We feel more pressure on our food pantry because we know how expensive food is at the moment, and that it feels like people really want to get specific items that are expensive in the shop” said Willow, development officer at the Central & West Integration Network food hub in Glasgow.
Watch the video to hear more from Willow and to hear how people living in Glasgow are coping.
Rent and Property Price Increases
The Scottish property market has also seen a significant increase. In December 2024, the average house price in Scotland was £189,000, up 6.9% year-on-year. This trend reflects increased demand, fuelled by low interest rates and a limited housing supply. However, these price increases are making home ownership more difficult for many households. At the national level, ONS data collected in October 2024 indicates that around a third of adults (35%) admitted that it was exceedingly difficult to pay their rent or mortgage.
Transport and Vehicle Costs
A recent Ipsos UK survey, which sheds light on the commuting habits, preferences, and concerns of British adults conducted online between April 4 and 7, 2025, reveals concerns about costs, stress, and environmental impact. According to the survey, 45% of Britons report an increase in their average monthly travel spend in 2025 compared to 2024. Additionally, almost four in ten (37%) of those experiencing increased travel costs find it difficult to afford the extra amount.
