ALMOST half of British adults would struggle to pay for housing, food and energy within a month of unexpectedly losing their income, new research has suggested.

A survey of more than 2,000 people by the Big Issue magazine showed big regional differences in the precariousness of personal financial situations across Britain.

More than half of respondents in Wales and London said they would find it difficult to pay for necessities within a month of suddenly having their income taken away, compared with 42 per cent in the rest of southern England and 41 per cent in Scotland.

Chief executive of the Big Issue Group Paul Cheal said: “Poverty is a problem that touches everybody.

"The issues it throws up are already destabilising our wider society, from the growing welfare bill to our overburdened public services.

“As our new poll shows, more people than ever are close to the brink. Across all areas of the Big Issue Group, we’re working to end poverty.”