A new survey has revealed that more than three-quarters of Brits have paid charges they felt were unfair, often because they had no practical alternative.
The poll of 2,000 adults found that 78% admitted they often or sometimes paid charges they deemed unfair. The research, commissioned by iD Mobile as part of its Mugsville campaign, aimed to highlight everyday price rises, sneaky charges, and overpriced contracts.
Top money-grabbers identified
Energy standing charges were named by 39% of respondents as among the country's worst money-grabbers. Shrinkflation was cited by 33%, while 30% pointed to airport drop-off fees. TV licences (30%) and council tax (29%) also featured prominently, followed by train tickets (19%), phone tariffs (8%), and out-of-bundle costs (7%).
The survey also found that hidden fees, unexpected charges, and surcharges cost the average adult an estimated £126 a year. Those in Scotland estimated losing the most, at £146.70 annually, while Londoners were close behind at £139.30.
Growing resignation among consumers
A further 72% believed hidden fees and unexpected price hikes had worsened over the last five years, and 52% felt Britain was becoming a place where such charges were simply part of everyday life. Exactly four in 10 believed businesses had become better at disguising price rises and extra charges, according to OnePoll.com figures.
The frustration is affecting spending habits: 38% of those who had encountered hidden fees abandoned an online order after an unexpected fee at checkout. Additionally, 55% of those who checked their mobile phone bill had been surprised by an unexpected charge at least once.
If they could reclaim money lost to hidden fees each year, almost half would put it into savings, while three in 10 would use it to cover household bills.
iD Mobile responds
Lewis Henry from iD Mobile, which offers inclusive roaming in 50 destinations and free data rollover as standard, said: “Hidden fees and surprise charges have become something many of us simply expect to encounter, whether we’re booking travel, paying household bills, or shopping online.
“Our research shows consumers feel increasingly resigned to paying more and getting less in return, and most of us have simply stopped questioning it. That’s exactly the world we’re exposing with Mugsville, a place where hidden fees or high prices are just ‘the norm’.
“We believe Britain deserves better, which is why we ensure our plans aren’t just great value for money, but also come with added benefits you’ll actually use.”
The survey also compiled a top 10 list of the biggest swindles, including energy standing charges, shrinkflation, airport drop-off charges, TV licensing, council tax, car parking charges, insurance auto-renewal price hikes, concert and sports ticket booking fees, train tickets, and paying to sit next to friends or family on flights.
