People in Northern Ireland are facing a cost of living crisis as energy, food and fuel prices have all increased with inflation at its highest rate in 40 years.
Latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows that inflation hit 9.4% last month, its highest level since 1982.
Prior to the latest surge, the rate of inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), had been steadily increasing since the beginning of 2021.
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Recent price hikes have been driven by higher food prices (8.7% CPI), fuel costs (69.6% CPI) and transport (14.0% CPI).
The cost of everyday essentials has soared over 12 months - with the price of milk jumping by 26%.
The price of butter, cheese, eggs, olive oil, pasta and breakfast cereals have also all increased.
The cost of filling up your car has jumped by over 40% in the 12 months to June – the biggest hike since records began.
At the start of this month, a raft of price hikes came into effect for households here, including increases by gas suppliers SSE Airtricity and Firmus energy and electricity increases by Power NI and Click Energy.
According to the Consumer Council, together with the rising petrol and food prices, price rises are expected to add over £1,000 to the average home’s yearly bill.
Belfast Live wants to hear from the public on how they are coping with the increase in the cost of living.
We want to hear your views on what you think Stormont and the UK Government should do to help ease the burden on people here.
Households across Northern Ireland are set to receive two payments totalling £650 to ease cost-of-living pressures.
The first instalment of £326 is currently being paid out automatically to low-income households on benefits while the second payment of £324 will follow in the autumn.
But is this enough?
We would like our readers to take our cost of living poll to help highlight the struggles facing Northern Irish households nationwide.
Take our survey here or below:
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