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more than half of english houses At least one financial adjustment has been made to cover everyday essentials in recent weeks, marking the highest level recorded this year, according to consumer champion Which.
A survey found that 52 percent of respondents made changes to spending in the month through mid-October, which impacted spending utility billHousing, and groceries.
This equates to an estimated 14.8 million homes nationwide, the highest number seen since December 2024.
These adjustments include cutting back on necessities, cutting back on savings, selling assets, or borrowing, with low-income households being particularly likely to reduce essential spending.
Positively, the proportion of households that did not pay at least one essential payment – such as rent, mortgage, or utility bills – fell from 7.7 percent to 5.5 percent in September, affecting about 1.6 million households.
Despite fewer missed payments, which one? It warned that the overall increase in fiscal adjustment, particularly ahead of the cold weather and expensive festive period, highlights increasing vulnerability to the cost of living crisis.
Nearly a fifth (20 percent) of those surveyed believe their household situation will get better over the next 12 months and nearly a third (34 percent) believe it will get worse.
When people were asked why they thought their household situation would get worse in the next 12 months, the majority cited issues related to cost of livingSuch as food prices, bills or inflation, the consumer group said.
Taxes and policies were also widely mentioned in the consumer insights tracker, with some highlighting concerns about a potential tax increase, Which? Added.
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A woman from Scotland told researchers: “The cost of living is very high; struggling to make ends meet. Shopping for food is stressful because the price of everything is so high and paying the bills is driving up the cost of everything. I think it will just keep getting worse.”
Which one? That said, people who are missing out or struggling to afford essentials like energy, credit card or mortgage payments should speak to their provider immediately for help.
Rocio Concha, which one? The policy and advocacy director said: “Our research shows that millions of households are struggling to cover the costs of everyday essentials such as utility bills, mortgage and rent payments and the weekly shop.
“With the festive season fast approaching and the weather starting to get colder, the added pressure of Christmas shopping and keeping the home warm and cozy will only add to the financial stress on families.
“We would encourage anyone who is struggling to seek free debt advice and reach out to their bill provider for help.”
The survey was conducted between 17 and 19 October among more than 2,100 people across the UK.