The economic landscape in the UK is looking increasingly turbulent as we approach the midpoint of 2026. With the US-Iran war disrupting global oil trade, the cost of living crisis is intensifying, leaving millions of households financially strained. What's particularly concerning is that this conflict has a direct impact on essential goods like energy and food, which are feeling the pinch of rising prices.
Inflation may have dipped in April, but experts warn that this respite is temporary. A projected spike to 4% by year-end is a stark reminder that financial challenges are far from over. This is evident in the fact that a staggering 63% of Britons are cutting back on essentials, and over half of households living in poverty now include working individuals.
Amidst this turmoil, it's crucial for households to tap into the support they're entitled to. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a range of benefits, yet a shocking £24 billion worth of benefits goes unclaimed annually. This is where the Policy in Practice calculator comes in handy, helping individuals determine their eligibility for various benefits.
June brings a