Discretionary income for the lowest earning households in Northern Ireland drops by 46% in a year

These figures come from our latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker, which is published on a quarterly basis and tracks the changes to income and expenditure for the lowest-earning households here.

The Household Expenditure Tracker reveals that in Q2 2022 (April, May and June), Northern Ireland’s lowest-earning households:

• saw their weekly income after tax rise by £2.80 (1.2%);
• experienced weekly spending on basic goods increase by £7.25 (3.6%);
• spent 53% of their total basic spending on rent, energy, food and transport; and
• saw their discretionary income fall for the 5th consecutive quarter leaving these households with less than £25 per week to live on (£24.41).

Noyona Chundur, our Chief Executive, said: “Our Household Expenditure Tracker quantifies the reality that our lowest earning households are currently facing. The lowest-earning households in Northern Ireland now have less than £25 to spend per week after their bills and living costs. In releasing this data, we hope that it will help Government, policy makers, and organisations to develop targeted solutions and interventions to help all consumers in Northern Ireland.

“We offer a variety of help, support and advice to help consumers understand ways to save money and shop around, and what options are available if they are struggling to pay their bills.”

View the Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker Q2 findings

Consumers can view a range of interactive tools on our website including an Energy Price Comparison Tool, Petrol and Diesel price comparison tool and Home Heating Oil Tracker, and resources including its Cost-of-Living Hub.

Consumers can also get in touch with us for free independent advice by calling Freephone 0800 121 6022 or emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.