The Consumer Council released its latest Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker covering October to December 2025.

The report shows telecoms costs now account for 10% of weekly essential spending among the lowest income households, the highest level recorded since monitoring began.

Lowest earning households have less than £53 per week left after essential outgoings, while those in the next income quartile average less than £108.

Lowest earning households allocated 44% of basic spending to food, rent, energy and transport.

Households in the second income quartile recorded the largest drop in spending power since the tracker started in 2021.

Acting Director of Strategy and Emerging Markets Philippa McKeown-Brown said many consumers remain unaware that social tariffs are available from major providers.

These tariffs cost between £10 and £24 per month for the same services and are available to households receiving certain benefits.

The Consumer Council advises households to check eligibility with their current provider or compare offers from other suppliers.