A Which? consumer insight tracker finds that 87% of working-age parents were concerned about food prices in the month to mid-August, an increase of six percentage points since May. The level matches peaks not seen since November 2022, when annual CPI inflation stood at 10.7%. Across all age groups, 82% expressed worry about food costs, while concerns about energy prices were at 81%. With winter heating bills approaching, Which? says pressures on household finances are likely to rise.

The data show confidence in the UK economy and in household finances among working parents deteriorating ahead of the new school year. The latest wave of data was collected between August 13 and 15 from more than 2,000 people across the UK. Survey research for Which?’s consumer insight tracker is carried out monthly by Yonder.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: “Our research shows working parents are feeling the pinch ahead of back-to-school season – with many worried about the economy, their household finances and the cost of everyday essentials. As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder, the extra pressure of staying warm and keeping the lights on will add stress to household finances. We’d encourage anyone who’s struggling to seek free debt advice and reach out to their bill provider for help.”