A new poll of 2,000 UK adults has revealed the everyday financial injustices Brits are facing – and it seems many are fed up with the lack of fairness in their spending
A survey of 2,000 adults has shed light on the most frustrating financial injustices they face on a daily basis. At the top of the list, 36% of respondents expressed frustration with being charged hidden admin fees for concert tickets. Another common grievance, cited by 32% of respondents, is when a product labelled as ‘on sale’ turns out to be the same price as before, simply with new packaging.
Furthermore, 30% of those polled find it infuriating when they are forced to split a bill evenly, despite having opted for a lower-priced meal and not ordered any drinks. Train fare increases without any clear explanation also rankle with 30% of respondents.
Other financial injustices that people frequently encounter include being charged for early hotel check-in when the room is clearly ready (25%) and being forced to pay for priority boarding only to find that the queue is just as long (24%).
21% of those surveyed feel that shops not accepting cash, despite them having sufficient change, is unjust. And when making significant purchases, such as buying a house or car, 19% of respondents find it unfair when confusing jargon is used.
The research, conducted by Skipton Building Society, focuses on determining the everyday money-related situations that Brits perceive as unfair.
Alex Sitaras, Skipton Building Society’s head of savings and partnership products, said, “Fairness shouldn’t be a luxury, especially when it comes to your own money. But it’s clear from the research many people are fed up with feeling short-changed in everyday money situations.
“From hidden fees to automatic tips, to even how deciding restaurant bills are split with friends and family, these frequent frustrations can start to feel unfair and have a wider impact on a person’s overall finances. Especially when we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, which is already making it more difficult than ever for people to save and plan for their future.
“So, these unfair money moments, no matter how small or large they may be, can start to feel more like injustices. We believe in fairness, which is why we offer everyone free and accessible money advice, through our My Money Review service, to help people plan ahead and make the most of their money.”
The survey also discovered that 68% believe these types of unfair money moments shouldn’t be accepted as part and parcel of modern life – and 65% have spoken up when they’ve encountered one. For more than half (51%), the issue was resolved there and then, but 29% were met with resistance and saw no change.
However, 30% admit they’re unlikely to speak up even when they feel unfairly treated financially. Among those, 46% want to avoid confrontation, 41% feel too awkward to say anything, and 29% worry about coming across as petty.
Brits are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to their finances, with 44% always double-checking the bill before paying and a third (33%) thoroughly researching before splashing out on big-ticket items.
According to a survey conducted by OnePoll, consumers feel that snagging a bargain is tougher now than it was half a decade ago, with a whopping 78% saying they’re chuffed when they stumble upon something that’s genuinely good value.
The poll also revealed that nearly four in 10 Brits (38%) approach deals with a healthy dose of scepticism, often thinking offers seem “too good to be true”, and 3% doubt whether companies truly have their customers’ best interests at heart.
Alex Sitaras from Skipton Building Society chimed in: “Many of us have a sense of what a fair deal looks like – and we often notice when something feels off.”
He also highlighted a common reluctance to challenge dubious deals, noting: “Yet many people are still hesitant to speak up, often out of fear of confrontation or not having the confidence to question something that isn’t right.”
Sitaras emphasised the importance of consumer empowerment: “We want to change that mindset and empower people to stand up for what’s fair, and it’s encouraging that so many are already double-checking bills and doing their research before making important purchases.”
He concluded with a call to action for greater financial literacy: “By building confidence and financial know-how, we can help make fairness the norm, not the exception.”
TOP 25 EVERDAY UNFAIR MONEY MOMENTS:
- When eateries slap on an automatic gratuity, despite the service being subpar.
- When someone prangs your motor and your insurance premiums skyrocket.
- When you’re billed for tap water in a restaurant.
- Spotting a sly ‘admin fee’ tacked onto gig tickets.
- When there’s a charge for returning items online.
- When the sale price is merely the original price with a new sticker.
- Noticing a ‘minimum spend’ just to use your plastic.
- When train fares hike up for no apparent reason.
- Divvying up the bill equally after only having a salad and abstaining from booze.
- When a supermarket slashes the price of something you’ve just bought at full whack.
- A mate ordering a pricey pint when it’s your round at the pub.
- Realising your loyalty points don’t equate to much actual dosh at all.
- When your hotel stings you for early check-in, even though the room is ready.
- Forking out for ‘priority boarding’ but the queue is just as lengthy as the regular one.
- When you meticulously plan your savings and the Government alters the tax rules.
- Missing out on discounted prices because you left your loyalty card at home.
- When you have to hound mates or family for money they owe you.
- When you fix your utility costs but then the prices plummet.
- When a shop refuses to take cash, even when you’ve got a pocketful of change.
- When baffling jargon is used when making crucial financial purchases.
- Being slapped with a peak time surcharge.
- Getting hit w.
- Being stung with a ‘city tax’ that you only discover at check-out.
- When your DIY attempts to save money end up costing more to rectify.
- Mates who insist on hailing a taxi when public transport is the cheaper option.