Stable
Index band
Essentials are manageable without regular borrowing.
Preparing the evidence base
Can Britain Afford Life?
The public dashboard for household pressure, debt stress and basic needs.
Opening status
Sources being checked
No public score or verdict has been released yet.
Service reviewed 12 June 2026
Basic Needs Without Debt Index
This area is being prepared carefully. It will bring together official sources, clear explanations and useful public updates. We will show what is known, what is still uncertain and when the information was last checked.
Citizen reportsPressured
Index band
A household is managing, but rising costs leave little room for unexpected bills.
Fragile
Index band
One setback could make it difficult to cover basic needs.
Survival borrowing
Index band
Borrowing is being used for food, heating, housing or children's essentials.
Crisis
Index band
Basic needs cannot be met safely without urgent support.