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November 2025 - Health

Cost of living and NHS most important issues for UK adults, according to new research: A recent survey reveals that the most significant concerns for British adults are the cost of living and the National Health Service. When asked about the key challenges facing the UK since October 2022, 89% of respondents identified the cost of living as their primary concern, while 80% cited the NHS.

The latest monthly report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Public Opinions and Social Trends, released on October 17, 2025, surveyed 3,320 adults aged 16 and over in Great Britain between September 3 and September 28, 2025. Survey weights were applied to make estimates representative of the population.

The findings show that while the percentage of adults who consider the cost of living a key issue is down 5 percentage points since 2022, the number identifying the NHS as a concern has remained relatively unchanged, suggesting that healthcare remains an ongoing concern for many UK adults. Other important concerns mentioned include the economy (69%), immigration (64%), crime (57%), and housing (54%).

The survey results show significant differences in responses across various demographics based on pooled data from the period July 2 to September 28, 2025. Analysing the data by age and gender, distinct priorities emerge across different groups. Both older adults (aged 70+) and women are significantly more likely to mention the NHS as the most important issue facing the UK (both at 86%) compared to younger age groups (16-29 years) and men (74% and 76%, respectively).

For younger adults in the 16-29 and 30-49 age brackets, the cost of living is the most commonly reported issue (89% and 90%, respectively), compared to older adults aged 75 and over (79%). It is also the top concern for parents with dependents and renters (both at 91%). While the economy is the third most frequently cited issue overall (69%), older adults (75+) are more likely to express concern about economic issues compared to younger adults aged 16-29 (74% cf. 61%). 

Notably, the number of adults expressing concern about immigration has significantly increased since October 2022, rising from 43% to 64%, reflecting the growing prominence of immigration concerns in the news. 

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