People leaving UK as 'moving abroad' Google search soars to all-time high amid cost of living crisis
09.05.2022 - 14:55
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Homeowners living in the UK are considering leaving the country as the cost of living crisis continues. More and more Brits are now looking to emigrate abroad as a result of the rising cost of energy bills, interest rates, council tax, food and petrol prices.
Since the beginning of April, when Ofgem raised the energy price cap by 54 per cent adding around £693 to the average yearly bill, the amount of searches for moving abroad has soared to an all-time high.
Immigration experts Reiss Edwards analysed Google search data which revealed that searches for ‘move abroad’ exploded 1,000 per cent in the UK as of April 2022 - the highest level in internet history .
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The beginning of April also saw various other price rises come into effect such as a rise of up 3% in council tax across local authorities, VAT levels rising to 20% and an increase in National Insurance.
Reiss Edwards say that in the last month searches to move abroad have exploded ten times the usual volume, revealing that an increased number of Brits are considering emigrating to escape the cost of living crisis.
The data also revealed that searches for ‘apply for Australian visa’ - the country with the highest number of British expats - has risen by 670% since the cost of living crisis began.
“The British public have been faced with a gradual rise in the cost of living since the pandemic, which has only amplified enormously in the last couple of months," said Amar Ali, managing director of Reiss Edwards.
"These new price hikes are leading some British residents to look for an alternative, and more affordable, country to live in.
"To emigrate abroad can be a