According to Asda’s latest Income Tracker, 60% of UK households saw a fall in weekly disposable income in August. Local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz calls for action as rising living costs outpace wages, leaving families struggling.

The hardest hit are lower-income families, who now face a £74 weekly shortfall between their earnings and the cost of everyday essentials.

Samuel Kurtz, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, responded to the findings:

“The latest figures show just how hard the cost-of-living crisis is hitting families in our community. Wages aren’t keeping up, and people are seeing their pay disappear just covering the basics.”

Key Findings from the Asda Income Tracker:

Inflation remains stubbornly high at 3.8%, matching its peak since January 2024.

Food and non-alcoholic drink prices have risen for the fifth month running, up 5.1% — the highest level this year.

Low-income households were hit hardest, with disposable incomes across the bottom 60% of earners falling.

Middle-income households saw disposable income fall for the second month in a row, with further declines likely if inflation persists.

Samuel Kurtz added, “We need urgent action to support working families and ensure the economy works for everyone. The data is showing us that families across our communities are being failed by both the Welsh and UK Labour governments. The current approach is making it harder for people to get by — and harder for businesses to grow.”

“A strong small business community in rural areas like west Wales is essential for our local economy – but they are being drowned in red tape and hit with rising costs.

“These are the very businesses that fuel our local economies and provide jobs — yet they’re being pushed to the brink. We need leadership that puts families, workers, and local businesses first — not last.”