A new poll published today shows voters across the UK are cutting back on spending as the cost of living rises, with many blaming the Labour government for failing to act.

The BMG Research poll found that 50% of voters are already tightening their budgets as household pressures increase.

The findings highlight growing concern for the UK economy, with the OECD forecasting it will be the worst hit of any major country in the G20 in terms of economic growth.

According to the poll, people are responding by spending less on eating out, delaying fuel purchases, being more cautious with major spending decisions, reducing energy use and scaling back travel plans.

BMG pollster Catherine Lethbridge said there were “clear signs that fears over energy supply and rising costs are already shaping everyday decisions”.

Among those blamed by voters for the situation are the Labour Party at 29%, Donald Trump at 22% and the previous Conservative government at 11%.

The pressure on households is expected to increase further in the coming months as food and energy costs continue to climb.

The Institute of Grocery Distribution has warned that food inflation could reach 8% by the summer, adding more than £150 a year to the average household grocery bill.

Retail food prices are already around 38% higher than pre Covid levels, leaving many families exposed to further increases.

At the same time, energy bills are expected to rise sharply, with the Energy Price Cap forecast to increase by £332 in July.

If confirmed, this would take the average annual bill to £1,973, which is £405 higher than when Labour came to power and £705 above what was promised during the election campaign.

In July 2024, the Energy Price Cap stood at £1,568, with a pledge to reduce it by £300, meaning households had expected it to fall to £1,268 rather than rise significantly.

SNP Economy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP said:

“The Labour Party has abandoned millions of families by refusing to deliver any meaningful help in the face of soaring bills.

“It’s a disgrace.

“The cost of living has sky-rocketed under the Labour Party.

“Energy bills could soon be £700 higher than promised, food and fuel prices have gone through the roof, mortgage rates are rising and families are struggling from payday to payday.

“Voters were promised things would get better but they have gone in the wrong direction under Keir Starmer and Brexit Britain is more broken than ever.

“The Labour Party will never be forgiven if it leaves the majority of families in the lurch.

“Energy bills must be frozen, Keir Starmer’s fuel duty hike must be scrapped, and the Chancellor must deliver support for businesses who are already struggling thanks to Labour Party National Insurance and energy tax hikes.

“The fact that Scotland is facing yet another cost of living crisis as a result of Westminster’s failure shows why we need full control over our energy wealth and resources with independence so we can lower bills, deliver energy security, and invest Scotland’s huge energy wealth back into Scotland’s communities.

“That is what the SNP is offering on May 7th.”

The latest data paints a clear picture of households under pressure as rising costs continue to shape everyday decisions across the UK.