LONDON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Britain's social security system is among the least generous in developed economies, failing to protect low-income households from rising costs, according to the UK Living Standards Review 2025.

The report, published Thursday by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), reveals a sharp decline in benefit generosity, with unemployment support for single parents now replacing just 55 percent of prior earnings, down from 65 percent before 2013.

A freeze on Local Housing Allowance rates has worsened affordability, with only 5 percent of private rentals accessible via housing benefits in 2022, compared to 20 percent in 2020.

Universal Credit covered basic living costs in just two of the past 14 years, and by 2024, payments fell short of essential expenses by 35 pounds (45 U.S. dollars) to 66 pounds per week. Regional disparities have also deepened.

Lead author Max Mosley warned that "stagnant incomes and eroded social security" have left millions struggling. NIESR called for urgent reforms, including inflation-linked benefits, unfreezing housing allowances, and an "essentials guarantee" to ensure welfare meets basic needs. (1 British pound = 1.29 U.S. dollar) Enditem

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