Cost of Living News
Stories on how broader economic changes can affect students and young adults — filtered for things that have a direct impact, such as food prices and rent inflation.
38 articles
London Tube Strike Causes Travel Disruption
The London tube strike will go ahead on Tuesday and Thursday, with about half of tube drivers taking action. The strike will cause widespread transport disruption in the capital. The RMT union blames TfL's 'refusal to engage meaningfully'.
Key takeaway: London tube strike causes travel disruption for students and young adults.
Fuel price scheme saves drivers as petrol hits 3-year high
The average price of a litre of petrol in the UK reached 159.7p last week, a 3-year high. A fuel price scheme has been hailed for saving drivers money. The scheme's impact on UK students is significant.
Key takeaway: Petrol prices have reached a 3-year high, but a fuel price scheme can help students save money on fuel costs.
£5 Vape Deposit Proposed to Boost Recycling
The industry body for waste companies suggests introducing a £5 refundable deposit on vapes to encourage recycling. This move aims to reduce fires caused by disposed vapes. The proposal is under consideration.
Key takeaway: A £5 refundable deposit on vapes is proposed to boost recycling and reduce fires.
June 2026 payment dates for universal credit, benefits and pensions
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released the payment dates for universal credit, benefits, and pensions for June 2026. These payments will be made on specific dates throughout the month. The DWP also provides cost of living support to eligible individuals.
Key takeaway: The DWP has announced the payment dates for universal credit, benefits, and pensions for June 2026.
Home care workers face fuel cost spike fears
Home care workers in the UK are facing fears over a spike in fuel costs. A Sheffield-based carer is calling for workers to be paid for their mileage and travel time. This concern affects many students and young adults in similar jobs.
Key takeaway: Home care workers in the UK are calling for fair compensation for mileage and travel time amid rising fuel costs.
Child poverty a concern for UK students
The children's commissioner for Jersey has raised concerns about child poverty in the community. This issue could have implications for students in the UK. The commissioner described child poverty as a 'huge red flag'.
Key takeaway: Child poverty is a concern for the community in Jersey and could have implications for students in the UK.
Caribbean hot sauce shortage hits UK
Manufacturers in Jamaica are warning of hot sauce shortages and price increases due to a limited supply of chilli peppers. This may affect UK students and young adults who enjoy Caribbean cuisine. Hot sauce prices could rise in the UK.
Key takeaway: Caribbean hot sauce shortages and price increases may be on the way due to limited chilli pepper supply.
Lidl opens pub in UK stores
Lidl, a popular supermarket chain, has announced plans to open a pub in some of its UK stores. The move has sparked debate about the unusual idea of combining a grocery shop with a drinking area. The pub will offer customers a range of drinks, including beer and wine.
Key takeaway: Lidl is introducing a pub in some of its UK stores, offering customers a chance to grab a cold pint while shopping.
UK benefit entitlements vary across countries
A study has found that benefit entitlements vary significantly across different countries in the UK. A typical out-of-work couple with four children would receive £22,000 in benefits per year in York, compared to £32,000 in Belfast and £37,000 in Glasgow. This means that a Scottish family on a low income can receive £15,000 more in benefits than an identical household in England.
Key takeaway: Benefit entitlements vary significantly across different countries in the UK, with a Scottish family on a low income receiving £15,000 more in benefits than an identical household in England.
Pothole problems: what it means for UK students
Derek Bennett, 68, took his local council to court over the state of the roads. He used Section 56 of the UK's Highways Act 1980 to argue that the council was liable for the potholes. The case highlights the issue of poor road conditions in the UK.
Key takeaway: A UK man took his local council to court over pothole-ridden roads, highlighting the issue of poor road conditions in the UK.
Britain's bad train wi-fi might soon be a thing of the past
The UK's notoriously bad train wi-fi could be improved soon. A new plan aims to bring better internet to trains. This will make travel more productive for commuters.
Key takeaway: The UK's poor train wi-fi may soon be improved, making travel more productive for commuters.
Gluten-free food prices surge
The cost of gluten-free basics like bread and biscuits is skyrocketing, making them a luxury for students with coeliac disease. A small branded loaf now costs nearly £4. This surge in prices is affecting students who rely on these staples for medical reasons.
Key takeaway: Students with coeliac disease face significant challenges as gluten-free food prices increase.