The annual Minimum Income Standard study is based on intensive discussions of socially representative groups of UK residents, who agreed what a normal, no-frills lifestyle would cost and look like in 2022, taking into account housing, food, clothing, household goods, transport and social participation. It reveals that even taking into account the government’s existing cost of living support package, a single adult without children working full-time on the National Minimum Wage will make almost £7,000 less on the £25,500 a year to fund a basic decent standard of living. A couple working full-time on the National Minimum Wage with two young children will be £6,200 short of the £43,400 income level needed to reach the basic living standard for a household of its size and composition. Amount needed each week to meet minimum living standards (excluding rent and childcare) in 2022 and % increase in 2021 The gap is even wider for households dependent on social security: a single working-age adult without children would receive 32% of the minimum income required for a decent standard of living, even after existing cost-of-living support from the Government . A single parent on benefits with two young children would get 54%. Abigail Davis from Loughborough University, co-author of the study, said: “As prices continue to rise far ahead of incomes, the reality is that more and more people will be focusing on survival – keeping a roof over their heads . putting food on the table and keeping their homes warm – and they won’t reach that minimum standard of living.” Peter Matejic, head of analysis at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which publishes the annual survey, said: “To bring us closer to a society where fewer people fall below the minimum income level, the government needs to reform the social security system us to ensure that everyone can afford the essentials and, more generally, what the public believes they need to live with dignity.” Annual earnings needed to meet minimum living standards, work full-time and pay for childcare The minimum income standard, published since 2008, tracks the changing nature and cost of what the public agrees UK households need not only to survive, but also to eat healthily, have a basic social life and to play an active role in society, from family visits to children’s after-school clubs. The standard basket of goods and services includes the household costs of three meals a day, plus snacks and beverages. For clothes it includes casual and smart clothes, coats, shoes and sports. Accommodation is limited to rented accommodation in either the private or social sector. In 2022 the standard was upgraded to reflect not only rising food and energy costs, but also changing social norms following the pandemic. Focus groups increased amounts for social and recreational activities outside the home – and included a Netflix subscription as essential for home entertainment. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This year also brought an increase in the amount available for pocket money for secondary school children for the first time since 2008 – reflecting, according to the study, the importance to the public “that young people can go and meet up with friends after two years who cannot socialize as easily with their peers.” Shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “This analysis is a stark reminder of the scale of the crisis that has engulfed families in recent times, exacerbated by deep cuts to universal credit and stagnant wages.” A government spokesman defended the cost of living support package and said “appropriate preparations” were being made to ensure “any additional support or cost of living commitments can be delivered as soon as possible once the new prime minister is in place”. They added: “We recognize that people are struggling with rising prices, which is why our £37bn of support will give those on the lowest incomes at least £1,200 extra help, with the first £326 cost of living payment already issued to more than seven million households”.
