A recent report by Pro Bono Economics (PBE) reveals that over 3.2 million UK adults are enduring life satisfaction scores of 4 out of 10 or lower, a threshold PBE identifies as the “well-being poverty line”. This figure accounts for 5.7% of the adult population and marks a significant increase from 4.4% in 2018, indicating a troubling decline in national well-being.
PBE’s analysis identifies three primary contributors to low well-being: mental health, physical health, and social connections. Individuals whose mental health adversely affects their daily lives are 18 times more likely to experience low well-being compared to those without mental health issues. Similarly, individuals reporting poor general health are over 12 times more likely to suffer from low well-being than those in excellent health. Furthermore, the 5 million UK adults experiencing chronic loneliness are 12 times more likely to report low well-being than those who rarely feel lonely.
The report suggests that halving the number of adults living below the well-being poverty line could yield £54 billion in annual economic benefits, surpassing the projected benefits of the Crossrail project over its first 30 years. Addressing chronic loneliness alone could potentially reduce the need for nearly one million GP appointments and 100,000 hospital admissions each year.
The findings also highlight significant disparities in well-being across various demographic groups. Individuals of Caribbean or African descent are one and a half times more likely to experience low well-being compared to their white counterparts. Low-income households and private renters face greater challenges, whereas social renters appear to be protected from low well-being. Women, separated couples, unemployed individuals, those reporting poor health, and young people aged 16–30 are more susceptible to chronic loneliness.
PBE urges policymakers to prioritise the eradication of low well-being in the UK. The report recommends the government commit to a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating low well-being. It also calls for the publication of an updated strategy to implement the UK’s 2018 Loneliness Strategy and advocates for increased funding for organisations addressing loneliness. Additionally, PBE emphasises the importance of supporting social sector organisations in measuring and demonstrating their impact.
Jon Franklin, co-author of the report and chief economist at PBE, said: “Low well-being is not inevitable. And, in one of the richest countries in the world, it shouldn’t be acceptable. Making sure that no one needs to live below the ‘well-being poverty line’ is an ambition we hope government, business, and civil society can all get behind.”
The “Low Wellbeing in the UK” report sets the foundation for ongoing efforts to monitor, understand, and enhance well-being. With targeted policies and collaboration across public, private, and social sectors, the UK has the potential to improve life satisfaction for millions. PBE aspires for future editions of this report to reflect a narrative of progress and a nation on the path to better well-being.
