Cost of living news, events & figures

Lib Dems propose discounted basic energy allowance for all households

The Liberal Democrats have proposed a discounted basic energy allowance for every household as bills are set to rise again from 1 July.

VAT cut to lower some family days out this summer

Rachel Reeves has announced a temporary VAT cut for some summer family outings, alongside free child bus travel and targeted food import tax cuts.

Canada’s inflation rate rises to 2.8% as gas prices surge

Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.8% in April as gasoline and broader energy prices jumped, even as food and rent inflation eased.

Canadian insolvency filings hit highest first-quarter total since 2009

Consumer insolvency filings in Canada rose 8.5% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching the highest first-quarter count since 2009.

Nearly 60% of Albertans struggling with monthly bills, CBC poll suggests

A CBC News poll suggests 59% of Albertans are finding it difficult to meet monthly expenses as confidence in the economy weakens.

UK prices could stay higher for eight months after Iran war, minister says

A senior UK minister warned energy, food and flight costs could remain elevated for at least eight months after the Iran war is resolved.

Raising a child in the U.S. now tops $300,000 through age 18, LendingTree finds

A LendingTree analysis puts the cost of raising a child in the U.S. to age 18 at more than $300,000, a figure highlighted by CBS News as Kelly O’Grady outlines ways families can navigate the expenses.

UK plans shakeup to electricity pricing to blunt gas-driven bill spikes

The UK plans to weaken the link between electricity bills and gas prices within about a year and will raise a windfall tax on some generators, aiming to shield households from future price spikes.