Overview
- Red C surveyed 1,004 people in a nationally representative sample and found rent and accommodation are the top financial pressure, with 94% of full-time students calling it a major burden.
- Overall, 82% of 18–24-year-olds report being negatively affected by rising costs and 84% say the housing crisis disproportionately affects young people.
- Three in five under-25s are considering emigrating, with almost one in three strongly considering it, and two-thirds believe they would have a better quality of life abroad.
- Beyond housing, young people cite education fees (60%), groceries and daily essentials (47%), and healthcare (26%) as the next most pressing costs.
- NYCI’s pre-budget proposals include equalising Jobseeker’s Allowance for under-25s, abolishing sub-minimum wages, cutting third-level fees and apprentice charges, funding a successor Youth Homelessness Strategy and youth mental health services, and free public transport for under-25s.