A Minimum Income Standard for the United Kingdom in 2026
This latest update to the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) sets out what members of the UK public think is needed for a minimum socially acceptable standard of living for working-age adults, families with children and pensioners. The 2026 findings show the impact of rising housing costs on household budgets and income adequacy. For the first time, MIS budgets assume that all household types rent privately, reflecting public views that access to social housing can no longer be reasonably expected. The report examines what this means for the incomes required to meet minimum needs and for households relying on wages, benefits and pensions.
Blackwell, C., Stone, J., Balchin, E., Ellis, W., Padley, M. and Davis, A. (2026) A Minimum Income Standard for the United Kingdom in 2026. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation
A Minimum Income Standard for London 2025
This latest Minimum Income Standard for London consulted working-age adults, pensioners and parents to find out what the public agree is needed for an acceptable living standard in the capital. People living in London agree that accessing social housing is no longer a realistic expectation for any household. Consequently, for the first time, a minimum standard of living in London now assumes that all households must rely on the private rental market. This significantly drives up housing costs which were already much higher in the capital than in other urban areas of the UK. Nearly 4 million households in London do not have enough income for a decent, dignified standard of living.
Blackwell, C., Padley, M., Ellis, W., Balchin, E., Stone, J., Robinson, E. and Davis, A. (2026) A Minimum Income Standard for London 2025. London: Trust for London.