Nearly 66% of adults have experienced a deepening cost of living crisis in the last month, according to concerning official data. The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicate that energy and food costs continue to be significant financial burdens for individuals.
Approximately 1 in 30 adults reported running out of food within the past two weeks due to affordability issues. This number increased to 8% for individuals residing in the most deprived regions of England, as well as among renters and persons with disabilities.
Moreover, nearly 60% of respondents mentioned reducing their dining-out frequency as a means of cutting expenses, highlighting the immense strain on restaurants and pubs struggling to stay afloat.
The Labour party has pledged to prioritize addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis, recognizing its prominence as a key concern for voters in upcoming local elections. The ONS survey underscores this, with cost of living ranking as the top worry at 88%, surpassing concerns about the NHS, the economy, immigration, crime, and housing.
In other news, a thrifty mother shared how she managed to save £1,500 on her mortgage by implementing a simple money-saving tip. Neesha Craig, a resident of Swansea, used £300 from selling her Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to make an additional payment towards her mortgage, resulting in significant savings.
Additionally, a recent survey by musicMagpie revealed that 38% of Britons possess unused smartphones worth an average of £250, highlighting untapped sources of potential funds.
Furthermore, a Staffordshire pub, the Tamworth Tap, has clinched the title of the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Pub of the Year for the third consecutive year, lauded for its community-centric approach and picturesque beer terrace overlooking a Norman Castle.
Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Awards for 2026 recognized SAP as the top workplace in the UK, offering senior-level account executives salaries ranging from £57,000 to £89,000. The company’s employee-friendly policies, including flexible hours and advanced technology, contributed to its prestigious ranking.
Poundland recently concluded a restructuring program involving the closure of nearly 150 stores and the elimination of 2,200 jobs. Despite completing the program, Poundland acknowledged the need for further efforts to navigate its path to recovery.
As the self-assessment tax return deadline nears, HMRC revealed that 3.3 million individuals are yet to submit their returns, emphasizing the importance of meeting the January 31 deadline to avoid penalties.
In the entertainment sphere, Harry Styles has announced a new tour, prompting fans to remain vigilant against potential ticket scams. Experts caution against purchasing tickets from unofficial sources and advise utilizing trusted platforms and payment methods to safeguard against fraudulent activities.
On a positive note, retail sales exceeded expectations during the festive season, with a 0.4% increase in December. The surge in online sales, particularly in the jewelry sector, contributed significantly to the overall growth, despite challenges faced earlier in the year.
The ONS highlighted the resilience of retail sales throughout 2025, with a notable rise in online shopping and continued recovery from the pandemic-induced downturns of previous years.