MILLIONS of households are struggling to cover the cost of everyday essentials, consumer group Which? warned, as new research revealed the highest levels of financial strain so far this year.

Some 52 per cent of those surveyed said they had made at least one adjustment to cover essential everyday spending, such as utility bills, housing costs, groceries, school supplies, and medicines, in the month to mid-October.

Which? said that if the figures were projected across Britain, an estimated 14.8 million households had been affected, the highest level since December 2024.

Adjustments included cutting back on essentials, dipping into savings, selling possessions or borrowing money. 

People on low incomes were particularly likely to have reduced essential spending.

One woman from Scotland told researchers: “The cost of living is too high; it’s a struggle to make ends meet. 

“Food shopping is stressful as everything costs so much and paying bills, the cost of everything is rising. 

“I think this will keep continuing to get worse.”

Taxes and policies were also widely mentioned, with some respondents raising concerns about possible tax rises.

A man from north-west England said: “I’m anticipating the [autumn] Budget will include tax rises. 

“This, along with the increasing cost of goods and services, is going to make things more difficult.” 

Which? director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha said: “With the festive season fast approaching and the weather starting to get colder, the added pressures of Christmas shopping and keeping the house warm and cosy will only add to households’ financial stresses.

“We’d encourage anyone who’s struggling to seek free debt advice and to reach out to their bill provider for help.”