Strengthening Household Finances: Insights from 2026 Research and Campaigns Conference
As we welcome the brighter days of June, we have been reviewing critical data from this year’s Research and Campaigns (R&C) Conference held in April. While we all hope for a relaxing summer, the conference findings show that the cost-of-living crisis is still a harsh reality for many.
Victoria Wan is a Research & Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell
Worrying Trends in Financial Hardship
The R&C Conference highlighted a steady and concerning increase in financial struggles across the people we help. The latest data reveals:
- More negative budgets: Since 2019, the number of our debt clients trapped in a negative budget—where basic living costs are higher than their income—has jumped from about 35% to over 50%.
- Rising debt levels: The average debt for these struggling households keeps going up, now approaching a worrying £11,000.
Figure 1: Percentage in negative budget among debt clients, National Citizens Advice
Figure 2: Average total debt among debt clients in a negative budget and clients in a positive budget, National Citizens Advice
Global Shocks Adding to the Squeeze
These local struggles are being made worse by global events. As discussed at the Conference, the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran is driving up everyday costs right here in the UK. Because of this conflict, Cornwall Insight’s Default Tariff Cap forecast predicted typical dual-fuel energy bills could rise to £1,848 a year (as of 15 May 2026) [1]. Meanwhile, grocery inflation and rising mortgage rates continue to squeeze household budgets even further.
Our Advocacy Priorities
The data from the Conference sets a clear aim for our ongoing campaign work: to improve household resilience and reduce negative budgets. It has also once again underscored our urgent advocacy priorities:
- Tackling energy bills
- Fixing housing allowance shortfalls
- Addressing mounting debt
- Providing better crisis support
Getting Help
We will keep fighting for fairer policies, but you do not have to wait for change to get support. If rising costs make you feel overwhelmed, our free advice service is here for you. Our expert advisers can help you manage your budget, check your benefit entitlements and negotiate with lenders.
Contact us today to regain control of your finances.
References: [1] Default Tariff Cap (Price Cap) Predictions & Insights. Cornwall Insight. 15 May 2026. Retrieved from https://www.cornwall-insight.com/predictions-and-insights-into-the-default-tariff-cap/