Unsung Britain
Think tank: Resolution Foundation
Author(s): Resolution Foundation
February 10, 2026
This report from UK think tank the Resolution Foundation paints a portrait of the poorer half of the country’s population.
The 13 million working-age families across the poorer half of the country are widely courted by politicians. No party can win elections without their votes, and the country cannot succeed without their needs being met. They are working harder and caring more, yet remain poorly understood and badly served, which is why we have dubbed them ‘Unsung Britain’.
In this book we examine the evolving characteristics of these families – how they earn, save, spend and how they’ve responded to cost of living challenges. We delve into the rent and bills they pay, the excess inflation they’ve faced as well as the strains on their health, both mental and physical.
A better understanding of the circumstances, opportunities and challenges of the families of Unsung Britain is needed to turn their fortunes around, regain their trust, and make the country a better place to live in.
