The average family will be £910 worse off this year as they face the biggest peace-time squeeze on their finances since 1921, according to a report.

Rising household bills mean spending power will be significantly less than two years ago, the Centre for Economic and Business Research said.

The consultancy estimates that disposable incomes will fall 2% in 2011, following a 0.8% drop in 2010.

Only the two world wars had bigger impacts on spending, the CEBR said.

The organisation forecasts that inflation will average 3.9% in 2011 – its highest since 1992 – as January’s hike in VAT to 20% from 17.5% and the rising cost of oil and other commodities continue to drive up prices.

Pay packets, on the other hand, will rise just 1.9% as unemployment remains high and the full extent of public sector cuts kick in.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13029870

Reuters:

Families are facing a “cost of living” crisis which will persist for years to come, Labour leader Ed Miliband said on Monday.

Miliband said the expectation that the next generation would always do better than the last was now under threat at a time of rising inflation and growing wage inequality.

Looking at potential remedies, Miliband said that the banking system should be reformed to support business and a range of ownership structures should be considered when the state sells its stakes in high street banks.

The Labour leader accused the coalition government of making things worse for families with children by decisions such as pushing up VAT sales tax and changes to tax credits.

“The crunch will be felt first and worst by low and middle income families, particularly those with children,” Miliband said.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/02/28/uk-britain-labour-idUKTRE71R3NK20110228