The Office for National Statistics reveals that cost of living anxiety remains the dominant public concern, with women reporting higher levels of worry than men.
The numbers tell a stark story. When nearly nine out of ten people flag the cost of living as their primary concern, it’s clear that household budgets remain under severe pressure across Britain.
The Office for National Statistics posted the latest findings from its Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, covering the period from 4 February to 1 March 2026. The data shows that 88% of UK respondents identified the cost of living as an important issue facing the nation, while 82% cited the NHS as a major concern.
The Gender Divide
Women are bearing the brunt of these anxieties more acutely than men. The survey reveals that 91% of women reported cost of living worries, compared with 85% of men. Similarly, 86% of women expressed concerns about the NHS, while 78% of men shared this view.
These aren’t fleeting worries. The ONS confirms that cost of living, the NHS, and the economy have consistently remained the most commonly reported concerns since October 2022 – a pattern that has now stretched across three and a half years.
A Persistent Pattern
The consistency of these figures reflects deep-seated challenges that haven’t shifted despite various policy interventions over recent years. Cost of living has maintained its position as the leading public concern, suggesting that household financial pressures continue to dominate daily life for most families.
For their part, the economy, cited by 69% of respondents according to the tweet, rounds out the top three issues that have dominated public consciousness since late 2022. This trinity of concerns – money coming in, money going out, and healthcare access – captures the essential elements of household security.
The Bigger Picture
The Opinions and Lifestyle Survey forms part of the ONS’s ongoing effort to track social insights beyond traditional economic indicators. By measuring public attitudes towards daily life and personal well-being, the survey provides a window into how policy challenges translate into lived experience.
These latest figures suggest that despite various government initiatives and economic adjustments, the fundamental pressures on household budgets haven’t eased sufficiently to shift public sentiment.
Source: @ONS
Key Takeaways
- Cost of living remains the top concern for 88% of UK residents, unchanged from previous survey periods
- Women report higher levels of anxiety about both cost of living (91%) and NHS issues (86%) compared to men
- The same three issues have dominated public concerns consistently since October 2022
What This Means for Kent Residents
Kent households face the same financial pressures reflected in these national figures, with nearly nine in ten residents likely experiencing cost of living anxiety that affects daily spending decisions. Local businesses should expect continued cautious consumer behaviour as economic uncertainty persists, chiefly among female customers who show higher concern levels. Families may want to review their household budgets regularly and explore local support services, while small business owners should consider how sustained economic anxiety might impact customer spending patterns in the coming months.
