New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the cost of living remains the most frequently reported issue facing people in the UK, with 87% of respondents citing it as their top concern between 1st and 26th October 2025.
The NHS followed at 80%, while 70% identified the wider economy as a pressing issue.
The data also revealed that 63% of people said their cost of living increased over the past month, with 95% of those respondents attributing the rise to higher food prices.
Rob Hillock, head of personal financial planning at Broadstone, said: “It is evident that the cost of living remains the most pressing issue facing people in the UK at the moment amid continued growth in the weekly food shop.
“The data comes ahead of a highly scrutinised Budget which is still expected to contain further increases to household taxes despite rumours over the past day that the proposed increase in the basic rate of Income Tax is now thought to have been dropped by the Chancellor.
“Proposed measures are said to be targeted at bringing down the cost of living, with targeted support expected to be aimed at cutting household’s energy bills, and further interest rates are now anticipated by the markets.
“However, until people see tangible progress that eases budgetary concerns the cost of living will remain a hot issue.”
