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News · 23 March 2026

Middle-Class Squeeze: Why Even a Simple Day Out Feels Expensive

Middle-Class Squeeze: Why Even a Simple Day Out Feels Expensive

Photo by Andreea Popa on Unsplash

Middle-income families in the UK are cutting back on leisure as rising living costs outpace wages, a BBC report highlights. Even modest outings like lunch or family activities now feel unaffordable, with weekly spending on fun dropping significantly. Experts warn this reflects a broader squeeze on living standards, where everyday treats are becoming luxuries, potentially impacting wellbeing and sectors like hospitality.

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

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