Money LIVE: 1 in 30 Adults Report Running Out of Food in the Last Two Weeks
Recent official statistics have shown that almost two-thirds of adults are experiencing a worsening cost of living crisis, with energy and food costs continuing to strain budgets. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that approximately 1 in 30 adults have faced food shortages in the past fortnight due to financial constraints. This percentage increases to 8% among individuals residing in the most deprived regions of England, as well as among renters and individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, nearly 60% of respondents mentioned that they are cutting back on dining out, highlighting the significant financial pressure on restaurants and pubs struggling to stay afloat. The Labour party has pledged to prioritize addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis, recognizing its importance to voters in the upcoming local elections.
According to the ONS survey, the cost of living crisis ranks as the top concern for people at 88%, surpassing other issues such as healthcare, the economy, immigration, crime, and housing. In other money-related news, a savvy mum shared how she managed to reduce her mortgage by £1,500 through a simple money-saving tip by selling an old smartphone.
Elsewhere, a popular pub in Staffordshire has been named the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Pub of the Year for the third consecutive time, praised for its community-centric approach and picturesque beer terrace. Additionally, Glassdoor has unveiled the best places to work in the UK for 2026, with certain roles offering salaries of up to £100,000.
On a different note, Poundland has concluded its restructuring program after closing nearly 150 stores and laying off 2,200 employees. The company, which underwent a change in ownership, emphasized the need for further efforts to regain stability. In a separate update, HMRC reported that millions of individuals have yet to submit their self-assessment tax returns, facing potential fines if not completed by the deadline.
As the music industry gears up for Harry Styles’ upcoming tour, fans are cautioned against falling victim to ticket scams, as criminals often exploit high-demand events for fraudulent activities. Amid these developments, retail sales data for the holiday season showed better-than-expected performance, with a notable surge in online sales driven by strong demand for precious metals.
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