The cost of living is proving a greater concern for young people than older adults, according to official data.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from a survey of 5,009 households showed that when asked about the most important issues facing the UK today, the cost of living ranked highest among young people, while immigration was more of a concern for people aged over 70.
According to the data, the most commonly reported issues were the cost of living (87%), the NHS (86%) and the economy (72%).
Other commonly reported issues were housing (58%), climate change and the environment (57%), crime (56%), immigration (52%), education (48%) and international conflict (47%).
But younger adults were more likely to report the cost of living (95% among those aged 16 to 29 years, compared with 80% among those aged 70 years and over) and employment (48% among those aged 16 to 29 years, compared with 31% among those aged 50 to 69 years), as important issues facing the UK.
Immigration resonated more strongly with older age groups, with 73% of those over 70 and 66% of those aged 50-69 considering it a major concern.
This contrasted with just 36% of both 16-29 year olds and 30-49 year olds feeling the same.
Crime followed a similar pattern, with 66% of those over 70 viewing it as a significant issue compared to 46% of 30-49 year olds.
One in four (25%) of adults reported they needed to borrow more money or use more credit than usual compared to a year ago. This proportion was higher among adults aged 30 to 49 years (34%) compared with those aged 70 years and over (10%).
Among adults who reported that their cost of living had increased over the last month, around one in six adults (17%) said the increased cost of public transport was a main factor. The proportion was especially high for younger adults aged 16 to 29 years (32%).
