Express.co.uk
·Aug 2026
Shrinkflation and hidden fees among costs frustrating UK consumers
A poll of 2,000 UK adults identified energy standing charges, shrinkflation, airport drop-off fees, TV licences and council tax among the everyday costs consumers find most frustrating. Hidden fees and unexpected charges were estimated to cost adults £126 a year on average, rising to £146.70 in Scotland and £139.30 in London. Most respondents said they had paid unfair charges because they had no practical alternative, while many reported abandoning online purchases or finding unexpected phone-bill charges. The research, commissioned by iD Mobile for its Mugsville campaign, found that consumers are increasingly resigned to paying more for less and would mainly use any recovered money for savings or household bills.