UK's largest debt charity responds to Resolution Foundation's research into essential costs

^{10 September 2025}

The Resolution Foundation's report found that the cost of essentials has risen dramatically, with energy debt tripling in a decade and council tax arrears piling on the pressure.

Money on my mind, the full report, speaks to financial worries that must be addressed and new habits around saving and financial resilience amongst low-to-middle income households.

As part of the launch, StepChange CEO Vikki Brownridge will be taking part in a webinar to reveal the research.

Simon Trevethick, Head of Communications at StepChange, reacting to the research, said:

“This research speaks to what our advisors see on a daily basis - that the sheer weight of everyday costs is pushing households to the brink. We know that the cost of living has made the prospect of saving for a rainy day increasingly difficult - our polling found four in ten UK adults (22 million) would not be able to meet all of an unexpected £1,000 expense without borrowing.

"With over two in five StepChange clients in energy arrears, averaging over £2,300, this is one of the most pressing issues they face. For council tax, we see increased levels of harm as the risk of debt escalation and outdated threat of imprisonment loom large over those in difficulty - with average debts topping £2,000.

"There are practical steps consumers can take - fixing your energy tariff ahead of the price cap changes coming into effect, reducing energy usage on a daily basis if it's safe for you to do so, and reaching out to your energy provider, local authority or a free debt advice provider if you fall into difficulty or arrears.

"But these are sticking plaster measures for a much deeper wound that demands action from central Government. We need to see a debt relief scheme to address historic energy arrears, a fundamental overhaul of council tax regulations - including the end to imprisonment rules - and immediate action from government to build household financial resilience."