Cost of Living

Cost of living

a woman shivers under a blanket in her home, with a big heater

£74 million underspend in Warm Home Discount means people went without

If you're eligible for the warm home discount scheme but haven't had it for 2022/23, you only have until 31 March to claim it.

cost of living

Number of children living in poverty rises to 4.33 million as election year looms

4.33 million children are now living in relative poverty, while 600,000 people are in absolute poverty. Campaigners call on the government to fix it, and we offer help with covering essentials.

Image of a toy house surrounded by coins and a graph with an arrow. Interest rates held at 5.25% March - what does it mean for your money

cost of living

BoE holds interest rates at 5.25% - what does it mean for you?

The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25% for the fifth consecutive time despite yesterday’s sharp fall in inflation.

illustration of people in a hospital waiting room

cost of living

Poverty worsening the nation's health

New research has found a direct link between poverty and illness in the UK.

Illustration of a shopping trolly with food falling out and an inflation arrow cutting through. Inflation falls to the lowest level since 2022

cost of living

Inflation falls to lowest level since 2022

New figures out this morning show inflation slowed by more than expected last month. Find out what it means for your money

Man is sad as he looks in his empty fridge, illustrated

cost of living

Trussell Trust given much needed funding to support ongoing food bank crisis

The Trussell Trust is given a grant that could keep food banks afloat, but if you're struggling to pay for your essentials, you can find out what help is available today.

illustrated woman with head in her hands surrounded by debt bills

cost of living

Mental health issues caused by financial difficulty linked to cost-of-living crisis

New data finds the cost-of-living crisis is the main issue in around 50 conversations a day over text helpline. If you're struggling with your finances and mental health, you don't have to do it alone. Find out what help is out there.

cost of living

How expensive is childcare in your area?

Childcare costs in the East or South East of the UK could take up as much as 54% of a yearly salary, research from AJ Bell found. See how much childcare costs where you live, and what help is on offer.

a woman in her home in a hat scarf and blanket, shivering

cost of living

£75 million to be given to warm lowest income households in England

The government has given £75 million to help local councils and housing associations make social homes more energy efficient, saving people up to £400 a year in bills.

elderly couple watching the rise of food prices

cost of living

One in five pensioners living in poverty

The Centre for Ageing Better has called for a rise in the uptake of the pension credit scheme, and has urged the Government to pause proposals to raise the state pension age, which is set to rise to 68 in 2026.