According to the latest monthly survey from the Office of National Statistics, the most commonly reported issues were the cost of living (85%), the NHS (81%), and the economy (67%).

The ONS’s Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: July 2025 survey,  also showed that younger adults (aged under 50 years) were more likely to report the cost of living as an important issue facing the UK today, while older adults (aged over 50 years) were more likely to report the NHS.

Around 6 in 10 adults (59%) reported that their cost of living has increased in the last month; this proportion has been declining since April 2025 (72%), but remains higher than July 2024 (45%).

The most commonly reported reasons for a rise in the cost of living were increases in the price of food shopping (95%), energy bills (57%), and fuel (45%); the proportion reporting fuel as a reason has increased from 37% in May 2025.

As reported by Mortgage Strategy, inflation is expected to hit 3.8% when official data is released next week, according to a Deutsche Bank forecast.

This means the cost of living is forecast to lift 20 basis points in the year to July, from 3.6% in June, driven by a mix of airfares, accommodation and food, when the Office of National Statistics posts its latest reading on Wednesday.

This is above the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target.