You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today for a better experience of this site and many others.

Higher energy prices could leave typical British households £480 worse off this year

Higher energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East are set to make the median working-age British household £480 worse off this year, according to the Resolution Foundation.

The think tank based its estimates on market-forecasts for the rise in energy prices consistent with market pricing after the announcement of a ceasefire.

For families with above average income, rising energy prices will likely tip living standards growth into negative territory, says the Foundation.

The typical household, previously on track for 0.9% growth, is now set to see its income fall by 0.6% – a difference of £480 – over the course of the current financial year.

It says that average income growth for the poorest fifth this year is now set to be just 1.2%, down from 2.8% before the conflict.

James Smith, Chief Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:

'Despite hopes for a sustained peace, the path of this conflict remains uncertain and energy prices remain well above pre-war levels, meaning many households face a decline in their purchasing power this year.

'This squeeze will run right through the income distribution. Lower-income households will still see some income growth thanks to a long-awaited rise in real benefit levels, but inflation will likely knock more than a percentage point off what they stood to gain.

'For those in the middle and towards the top of the income distribution, even the thin growth they had been expecting has tipped into negative territory.'

About us

We were established over 80 years ago

We continue to build on our enviable reputation for providing excellent advice and first class service to our business and personal clients alike...

Bere Mill Cows image by Henry Lawford, licensed under CC 2.0 license.

© 2026 Montpelier Professional (Galloway) Limited . All rights reserved. We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here. powered by totalSOLUTION

Newton Stewart Office : Montpelier Professional (Galloway) Limited , 1 Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway DG8 6EQ
Leswalt Office : Montpelier Professional (Galloway) Limited , Challoch Inn, Leswalt, Dumfries & Galloway DG9 0LJ

VAT No 151 179 030. Registered in England and Wales No. 06025692. Registered Office: Sanderson House, Station Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5NT. Montpelier Chartered Accountants is a trading name of Montpelier Professional (Galloway) Limited.

Professional Indemnity Insurers: Markel (UK) Limited, 20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 3AZ