The cost-of-living crisis remains the most pressing concern for households across the UK, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In July 2025, 85% of adults identified the cost of living as the most important issue facing the UK today, ahead of the NHS (81%) and the economy (67%).
Around 6 in 10 adults (59%) reported that their cost of living had increased in the past month. While this is down from 72% in April 2025, it remains significantly higher than July 2024 (45%).
Younger adults, aged under 50, were more likely to highlight the cost of living as a key national issue, whereas older adults, aged over 50, were more likely to cite the NHS.
The most common drivers of increased living costs were higher prices for food shopping (95%), energy bills (57%) and fuel (45%), with the proportion reporting fuel costs rising from 37% in May 2025.
Damon Hopkins, head of DC workplace savings at Broadstone, said: “Britain’s cost-of-living crisis is proving stubbornly hard to shift, with 85% of adults naming it their number one concern – ahead of even the NHS and the economy – and 6 in 10 reporting an uptick in costs in the last month alone.
“Sharp increases in food, fuel and energy prices are continuing to eat into household budgets, particularly for younger adults who are more likely to cite the cost of living as the UK’s most pressing challenge.
“While some households have seen marginal relief, these latest figures show we are still a long way from a meaningful recovery. This persistent pressure risks forcing longer-term saving – especially for retirement – onto the back burner.
“That’s a worrying trend which could leave millions unprepared for later life. In this climate, employers have a real opportunity to step in and support staff.
“Offering practical financial education – from day-to-day budgeting skills to long-term savings planning – can give employees the resilience and confidence to weather ongoing uncertainty and financial challenges.”
