The West Midlands has witnessed a significant proportion of people cutting back on food purchases across the United Kingdom, new data has revealed.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that 52% of adults living in the West Midlands opted to buy less food when shopping due to the cost-of-living crisis. The Impact of increased cost of living on adults across Great Britain study published Monday was conducted from 12 July to 1 October 2023. It surveyed persons aged 16 years and over living in Great Britain.
The study also revealed that 46% of residents reported that their shopping habits did not change, while a small minority stated that they bought more food.
Cost-of-living, NHS among key issues
A majority of West Midlanders felt that the cost-of-living and the NHS crisis were some of the important issues that the UK is facing today.
While 90% believed that the cost-of-living crisis is a key issue, as much as 85% thought that the NHS was just as important. The respondents were able to choose more than one option in the survey.
75% of the same respondents also had the economy as a major problem.