A poll of 2,000 adults has identified the top 10 'biggest swindles' in modern life, with energy standing charges named as the country's worst money-grabber. The study, commissioned by iD Mobile as part of its Mugsville campaign, found that 39% of Brits are fed up with paying energy standing charges, while 33% cited shrinkflation and 30% pointed to airport drop-off fees.
TV licences and council tax among top irritants
TV licences (30%) and council tax (29%) also ranked high on the list of the most irritating everyday costs. Train tickets (19%) made the list, while phone tariffs (8%) and out-of-bundle costs (7%) also featured among consumers' biggest frustrations.
The research also revealed that hidden fees, unexpected charges and surcharges cost the average adult an estimated £126 a year. Scots estimated losing the most at £146.70 annually, with Londoners close behind at £139.30.
Consumers feel resigned to paying more
Nearly eight in 10 (78%) admitted they often or sometimes paid charges they felt were unfair because they had no viable alternative. A further 72% believed hidden fees and unexpected price hikes had become worse over the last five years. More than half (52%) felt Britain was becoming a place where hidden fees and everyday overcharges were just part of life, while 40% reckoned businesses had become better at disguising price rises and extra charges, according to OnePoll.com figures.
The frustration was changing spending habits too; of those who had ever encountered hidden fees, 38% abandoned an online order after discovering an unexpected fee at checkout. The research also revealed 55% of those who checked their mobile phone bill had been surprised by an unexpected charge at least once. If they could claw back the money lost to hidden fees each year, almost half would put it into savings, while three in 10 would use it to cover everyday household bills.
Mugsville campaign exposes 'norm' of hidden fees
Lewis Henry from iD Mobile, which offers inclusive roaming in 50 destinations and free data rollover as standard, added: “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 top 10 biggest swindles are: 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.
