28 Jul 2026
A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) suggests the cost of living continues to place significant pressure on millions of households across the UK, despite some improvements in energy affordability.
The latest Cost of Living Tracker estimates that 7.4 million low-income families have been unable to afford at least one essential item during the past six months, the highest level recorded since the survey began in 2021. The report also highlights rising numbers of households cutting back on food, falling behind on bills and relying on high-cost borrowing to cover everyday essentials.
While the report notes that Government action and lower global energy prices have helped reduce the number of households unable to keep their homes warm, it argues that broader action is needed to improve living standards and strengthen financial security for low-income families.
For rural communities, where many households already face higher unavoidable costs for heating, transport and access to services, the findings underline the importance of ensuring future cost of living measures reflect the additional pressures experienced outside urban areas.
