Inflation rise illustrates pressure households across Britain are under

16 September 2026

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen to 3.1%, up from 2.9% in July. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that the price rise was driven in large part by an increase in fuel costs. This figure sits above the Bank’s 2% target and is just 0.2% lower than the highest figure year-to-date, which was 3.3% in March.

StepChange, the largest not-for-profit provider of debt advice, has responded to the figures as winter looms and further price hikes are in the offing. In the first half of 2026, StepChange’s actual client volumes were 20% higher than planned levels, as demand for debt advice grows as household budgets come under strain. Year on year, client levels are 13% higher than this time in 2025.

These figures come as StepChange adds that three in ten (29%) UK adults said they are worried about their ability to pay their energy bills over the next six months, as Cornwall Insight predicts the price cap could rise to at least £1,872 in the next period.¹

Vikki Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer, at StepChange Debt Charity:

“Inflation now stands at almost the highest rate this year, and as it hovers above 3%, we are worried about households already struggling with their finances. We’ve seen significantly more people than expected in need of free debt advice this year, with our most recent client volumes revealing a 13% rise year on year.

“Prices are rising again at a time after long-term stagnation in wages and real-terms cuts to benefits, all of which will put further pressure on people who are already having to make difficult choices about what they can or rather can’t afford. Essentials such as food and energy take up a significant proportion of many household budgets, and with these costs set to rise further this autumn and winter, we worry about the realities households will face and the implications for our service levels.”

“Anyone who is finding it hard to keep up with their bills or debt repayments should not wait until they are in crisis before seeking help. Free debt advice can help people understand their options and take steps to get their finances back on track.”

Notes to Editors

• The ONS’ inflation figures: Consumer price inflation, UK - Office for National Statistics
• Data on real wages and benefits uprating can be found: Average weekly earnings in Great Britain: August 2026 (ONS, 2026), and The distributional impact of tax and benefit reforms since 2010 (Institute for Fiscal Studies, 2024)
• Detailed information on plan versus actual clients can be provided by the press office upon request.
• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,142 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 10th July 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
• ¹Ofgem recently changed their calculation for the price cap, revising the figure down. The current figure of £1,723 for an average household bill correlates to £1,941 under the previous methodology, and Cornwall Insight’s latest prediction correlates to £2,107. See here for more information on predictions and methodology: Predictions & Insights into the Default Tariff Cap (Price Cap) - Cornwall Insight