HALF of households are struggling with the cost of everyday essentials, a survey suggests.

The latest Which? consumer insight tracker found that 49 per cent of households are being forced to dip into savings, sell possessions or take other measures to cover the cost of essentials.

Confidence in the future of the economy plummeted by 13 points to minus 56 in the month to March 13, the lowest level recorded since the end of 2022, the survey found.

The consumer champion said the score reflected “a deep-seated pessimism across the country,” with 67 per cent of adults now expecting the national economy to worsen over the next 12 months.

Which? head of consumer protection policy Sue Davies said: “Millions are now being forced to dip into savings or sell possessions just to keep up with the cost of everyday essentials.

“Pressure on budgets is becoming unsustainable for many. We would encourage anyone who is struggling to keep up with their bills to speak to their providers as soon as possible and seek free, independent debt advice.”