Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: 22 March to 2 April 2023

7th April 2023

Social insights on daily life and events, including the cost of living, industrial action, and energy savings in the home from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN).

The following information is for the latest survey period 22 March to 2 April 2023, based on adults in Great Britain.

When asked about the important issues facing the UK today, the most commonly reported issues continue to be the cost of living (92%), the NHS (87%), the economy (77%), and climate change and the environment (61%).

Around three-quarters (76%) of adults reported their cost of living had increased compared with a month ago (70% in the previous period from 8 to 19 March 2023).

The most common reasons reported by adults who said their cost of living had increased compared with a month ago were an increase in the price of food shopping (96%), an increase in gas or electricity bills (73%), and an increase in the price of fuel (41%).

Around a quarter (27%) of adults had been affected by industrial action in the last month; the most reported impacts were dependent children unable to attend school (27%), not being able to attend school, college or university (17%), and being unable to take part in leisure activities (16%).

Around 3 in 10 (30%) of adults were considering making changes in their homes to improve energy efficiency; this was 25% when we last asked the question between 8 to 19 June 2022.

The most common actions considered included improving insulation in the home (51%), switching energy suppliers (21%), and installing solar panels (20%).

Around a third (35%) of adults reported that cost was a barrier stopping them from improving energy efficiency in the home, and around 1 in 7 (15%) said that making energy efficiency improvements would not give them value for money.

Read the full report HERE