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13/02/2025
Lowest Earning NI Households 'Still Struggling'
The latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker, released today, has revealed that while the lowest-earning households have seen a slight increase in discretionary income, they still have less than £52 per week available after essential spending.
The tracker, which analyses changes in income and expenditure across four income groups in Northern Ireland, found that these households spent 49% of their total basic spending on food, rent, energy, and transport per week.
Despite a 3% increase in discretionary income over the last quarter, from £49.95 to £51.45 per week, these households continue to face significant financial pressures.
"In July – September 2024, while our lowest earning households saw a small rise in discretionary income this equates to only £1.50 per week, leaving these households with less than £52 on average after spending on basics," said Anne-Marie Murphy, Director of Strategy & Emerging Markets at Consumer Council. "Food costs represent the highest area of spend for many of our lower income households and the economic climate continues to cause concern."
The report highlighted the stark disparity in spending power between different income groups, with the highest-earning households having over 13 times more discretionary income available compared to the lowest-earning households.
"To help consumers, we offer a variety of support and advice on our website including interactive tools to compare energy costs and advice on how to reduce your bills and make your money go further," added Ms. Murphy.
The tracker, which analyses changes in income and expenditure across four income groups in Northern Ireland, found that these households spent 49% of their total basic spending on food, rent, energy, and transport per week.
Despite a 3% increase in discretionary income over the last quarter, from £49.95 to £51.45 per week, these households continue to face significant financial pressures.
The report highlighted the stark disparity in spending power between different income groups, with the highest-earning households having over 13 times more discretionary income available compared to the lowest-earning households.
"To help consumers, we offer a variety of support and advice on our website including interactive tools to compare energy costs and advice on how to reduce your bills and make your money go further," added Ms. Murphy.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
