Jamie O’Halloran, Economist at Pro Bono Economics, said:

“Inflation stands at 10.7% in the 12 months to November, a slight dip from the 41-year high of 11.1% recorded last month. These elevated levels continue to be fuelled by spiralling energy prices, as well as increasing food costs.

“As the national pay squeeze enters its 13th month, household budgets are under significant strain heading into Christmas. New survey data shows more than three-quarters of charities (77%) in the UK have seen a step-up in demand for their services from households struggling to make ends meet over the last three months.

“Having entered a recession, which is expected to last until 2024, this demand for charity support is unlikely to ease anytime soon. As temperatures have plunged in recent weeks, charities providing shelter and care to the most vulnerable this winter will be heavily reliant on energy.

“It is crucial the government takes this into account when it considers the support to offer charities in this energy crisis, as part of an official review to be published this month. With the current package of energy support ending in April, thousands of charities around the country will require continued targeted assistance.”