Study Finds Single People Pay Thousands More Per Year in the 'Singles Tax'

Research has quantified the so-called 'singles tax' — the extra costs borne by people living alone compared with couples who can split shared expenses. The study found that single people in the UK pay on average around 1,400 pounds more per year than someone in a couple sharing costs. The biggest factor is housing, where single occupants pay the full rent or mortgage alone while couples can divide costs. Energy bills, council tax, insurance and other household expenses all hit single people harder as a proportion of income. Researchers also found that food waste costs single people more, as many supermarket deals and bulk products are designed for families or couples. Subscription services and other lifestyle costs are also more expensive per person when not shared. Campaigners have used the research to call for changes to tax policy, including adjustments to council tax regulations which they say unfairly disadvantage single-person households. The report has sparked debate about whether government policy adequately recognises the financial challenges faced by single people in an era of high living costs.