An Increase in Oxford's Living Wage for 2025/26 Helps Combat Against the Cost of Living Crisis
The 67 pence jump has sparked a positive response from Oxford residents, after announcements of energy bills rising in January 2025.
The Oxford City Council has released the increase in the OLW for 2025/26 to £13.16 which many locals feel positively resonates with the inflation impacting their cost of living.
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, made a comment stating, “Paying a living wage makes a difference not just for employees but for Oxford as a whole”. She alludes “it contributes to a fairer local economy”.
It has been recorded that over 130 businesses and establishments have agreed to pay the new OLW to their 27,000 employees.
It is clear that this new wage will be considered a ‘new year miracle’ for workers struggling with living expenses in Oxford, a town known as one of the most expensive cities in the UK.
A local worker, aged 20 states, “I have been worried about the energy bills rising in Oxford as I am already paying an extortionate amount, however, this new living wage makes me feel as though the city council sees and understands that residents are struggling”.
Despite householders’ present battle against living expenses due to continuous inflation, this recognition and action to heighten the OLW comforts those in a time of need.
This depicts the Oxford City Council in a good light of hearing the needs of the city’s inhabitants.
Perhaps, 2025 will be the pivotal year in the combat between the cost of living and living wage where residents begin to feel relief.