Cost of Living Debate: how bad is it going to get?

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, says it's a plan to escape recession - higher taxes, lower standards of living, cuts to public services. (Subscribe: bit.ly/C4_News_Subscribe)
The people have their say in our Cost of Living Debate.
We have gathered a wide range of people to talk about how the cost of living is affecting them.
We asked the government and the Conservative Party if a minister or MP would join us but nobody was available. We do have local Tory activists with us who helped turn Darlington from red to blue at the last election. From Labour we are joined by the Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed and we also have some experts in the audience to help with the facts.
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[@redalert2834]

Who could have predicted that voting for politicians who only care about the happiness of the super-rich and the misery of everyone else might backfire in some way?

[@kevonslims7269]

Never thought that would’ve happened, you mean they don’t care about average working people?

[@johnross2924]

All them working class tory voters that thought dorris was the answer 😂🙄

[@unknownunknown2576]

Who voted for sunak or truss though?

[@landz2228]

😁😁

[@robynology101]

BOOM 💥 One day people will figure it out.

[@cloudyblaze7916]

Inflation is producing a slew of problems throughout the world, including food shortages, diesel and heating fuel shortages, and housing prices and financial market crash. This global collapse might end up being a part of us for a very long time. With inflation currently at about 9%, my primary concern is how to maximize my savings/retirement fund of about $300k which has been sitting duck since forever with zero to no gains.

[@kaylawood9053]

@Alexander Webber I agree, having a portfolio-advisor for investing is genius! Not long ago amidst the pandemic crash in March 2020, I was really having inveesting nightmare prior touching base with a license portfolio-advisor. In a nutshell, i've accrued over $550k with the help of my advisor from an initial $120k investment thus far.

[@albacus2400BC]

@@kaylawood9053 Please who is your FA and how can i reach out?

[@kaylawood9053]

@@albacus2400BC ‘'Sharon Louise Count'’ is the coach that guides, you probably might've come across her before I found her through a Newsweek report, she's quite known in her field, look-her up on the web

[@albacus2400BC]

@@kaylawood9053 thanks

[@coopsnz1]

That caused by government intervention

[@Traveling.contess]

As a health care professional I can tell you that the NHS money is going to the privet sector, an NHS ER nurse get payed 23 Pounds an hour meanwhile an agency nurse in the ER gets 50+ pounds an hour! And every unit have agency nurses and doctors ( Just imagine how much an agency Dr earns per hour) the biggest pay checks goes to the privet sector and that’s why the staff rather work for an agency then the government. This is no secret !

[@Traveling.contess]

It’s not fair is it 2 nurses or DRs doing the same job but one is getting up to 200% more payment! People in the parliament owns these agencies why would they change this . Do your own research.

[@ambtax1]

Yeah it's strange how you don't hear this on the news. It's been going on for years and years as well.

[@matt41252]

@@ambtax1 Yep, because the standard wage for doctors and nurses is too low, hence staffing shortages, hence high locum rates.

[@rickkarsan4491]

your choice to choose a vocation. Nurses who strike are basically murderers. GET BACK TO WORK AND STOP MAKING TIK TOKS!

[@hannah60000]

Does the £50 go to the nurse or does that include agency fees, etc? I would not be surprised if the agency nurse is paid less than her NHS counterpart per hour, once fees are taken into consideration.

[@crystllclr3743]

Its time for the people to remind them we are to be feared when wronged and wronged we all have been.

[@annapachaclarke2392]

Most logical comment here!

[@oneoflokis]

Indeed! 💯👍

[@breckroadlover]

So cabinet members are "not available" to attend this event and explain their dismal fiscal record, instead relying on teenage Tories barely old enough to vote to defend government policies that they had no input in making and that they seemingly have no clue about. Makes sense.

[@braxxian]

The people vote these clowns into office. You get the government you deserve.

[@psyber_spaced1192]

It's winter recess soon in UK government house, so politicians will be preparing for their trips to sunnier climes

[@vamboroolz1612]

@@psyber_spaced1192 some of them are already in sunnier climes. They hold their constituents with contempt.

[@psyber_spaced1192]

@@vamboroolz1612 imagine living in the UK though. It always rains. It's dark at 6pm. Yikes

[@michaelathanasiou2030]

Why do we have an immigrants asking the questions , where's all the British commentators gone

[@yetidodger6650]

Tory supporters need to own this catastrophe.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Why, it is the dynamic duo Biden/Harris' fault.

[@Morning404]

@@Neil-Aspinall what has biden and Harris got to do with this? You lot are obsessed with biden 🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤣🤣

[@BLUEMAGASONIC]

@@Neil-Aspinall #BDS

[@BLUEMAGASONIC]

Absolutely but they don't care

[@BLUEMAGASONIC]

@@Morning404 well said

[@petefl1818]

Now being in my three score and fifteenth year when I look back at UK governments of all shades over those years I would say I've never seen the UK governed worse than it has been in the last twelve years.

[@braxxian]

Funny then that the people keep voting them back in. Perhaps society needs to take a little responsibility for the clowns it elects to run the country.

[@alanhat5252]

no lack of agreement on that.

[@jostrong9364]

ditto

[@mikefay5698]

The UK has always been run by Capitalists. Only these days it's falling apart. London was the Abbacus cointing centre . No more.!

[@majortom6262]

But the last Labour government did take us into an illegal war and opened the floodgates for extreme immigration numbers. Labour was all for the lockdowns and even wanted them extended, which is one of the main factors for the situation we're in now! My point is they're all as bad as eachother and have been slowly destroying this country for the last 25/30yrs!

[@tinabraxton4906]

We cannot afford the rich. That is the problem, everywhere in the world.

[@mikefay5698]

Never did see the point of being Rich really, since by the time you've made your pile your old and ready for off. And young Hunter pisses it up!

[@sparkofcuriousity]

Well said

[@davidwright873]

its too much administrative staff....

[@tinabraxton4906]

@@davidwright873 that too.

[@annapachaclarke2392]

Very, very true. We need to stop tolerating these parasitic politicians and letting our taxes prop up vanity projects!

[@grwood]

The same cost of living crisis is happening to us in Australia. I believe a major contributing factor was the privatization of Utility companies of water, power and gas. The government has to buy them back, as it's in the private companies interest to raise prices. The environmental trend, and the lack of gas due to the Ukraine war hasn't helped also . Household utilities supply should be seen as a necessity for living, not a luxury. Also the government shouldn't always rely on taxes, but reclaim the steady income income from utilities that it used to have.

[@rebeccadelbridge2998]

Fellow Aussie here, and I could not agree more.

[@roxhart1478]

Make it so Scotty

[@camellia8625]

Ditto the rail system here

[@alanhat5252]

I hear Australia has been experimenting with domestic solar & batteries to boost the grid supplies, how is that going?

[@Anon-xd3cf]

If you are paying for the absolute basic things you need in able to be fit to work to earn money... Then you are paying to earn... What is the point of that?

[@tywbin]

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[@starcar23]

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[@henrech]

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[@dannyscott1276]

How to find a creative FA, I buy the idea of using their services, it's a shame stock market collapses have become a custom for stocks lately

[@starcar23]

@@dannyscott1276 I know KIMBERLY JEAN HEAVNER. She undoubtedly earn a lot of trading experience, but more importantly, I think she's a tough guy in an industry that requires clairvoyance.

[@dannyscott1276]

@@starcar23 Impressive, i’ll most definitely check her out. I buy the idea of employing the services of a Financial Advisor because finding that balance between saving and living requires counsel. These are crazy times we all need help .

[@honestjoe7940]

The Banks gain a tax cut of 5% and no one bats an eyelid. This is the funniest thing out of this entire debat

[@Ofelas1]

There is a plan: impoverish the population, privatise the NHS and other industries, make many dependents on hand outs, start universal basic income and digital money, digital passports and total control

[@philipwilkinson4747]

Don't forget there's three hundred and fifty million pounds a week on the side of a Red bus somewhere we where told.

[@phil2806]

All gone to fascist state Ukraine

[@Marenqo]

"County Durham Young Conservatives" where do they find these people!!?

[@mrbearbear83]

Are they all over 70? They're people who've grown up comfortably and don't understand reality

[@derekarnold3665]

County Durham...

[@akanonymoss]

Scraped from the bowels of the university... Freshly brainwashed and ready to serve

[@iknow6147]

Indoctrination camps (schools and universities)

[@LIVERNIL723]

Just listening to the first lady from the audience unearth her personal circumstances really is eyeopening and heartbreaking at the same time. How did we get to this in this country? 12 Years of Austerity. We really need this nightmare of a Government out once and for all.

[@mikecook1537]

How can you have any sympathy for this woman!??? " I'm putting food on the credit card because my son won't eat certain foods " really?? Get real! If your kids are hungry the will eat!! If I didn't eat what was put on the table as a kid that was my choice & i went without!! People need a reality check!!!

[@josephlennon8475]

And the rest of the politicians, including the useless Labour ones. P.S. And the House of Lords.

[@LIVERNIL723]

@@mikecook1537 You gonna force your child something he's not going to want to eat? Is that the life you want to give? You're not even in the 50s pal, you are beyond cruelty!

[@mikecook1537]

@@LIVERNIL723 everyone has to make sacrifices & not eating their favourite food hardly seems like a big ask as opposed to being homeless! Get a grip! FFS

[@alanhat5252]

@@mikecook1537 people are being increasingly required to not only not eat their favourite food but not eat _any_ food & _also_ be homeless.

[@victorvonderkrausse5492]

Cut the royals costs and expenses ! We are living hand to mouth and they spend millions in their lavish castels ! Money are money , laws are for everyone, rich need also to be held accountable!

[@alecrim888]

Not British here and not against at all the royals. Actually I quite like the pageantry and stuff but I simply don't understand what "service" they actually do besides lending their paid image??!? Besides tourism revenue, what good are they for?

[@jamesswindle5253]

Talk fffffffffking sense or say nothing. The royals are not the problem. Government spends more on immigrants per day than what the royals cost in 5years

[@rayosullivan4398]

Well you get your tights on Robin hood and do something talk does nothing

[@tazmanrehman]

Without the Royals in power we would be getting flogged daily just a shame the Royals can't speak or the planet would be healed basically the Royals are just one of the elite families that are humane.

[@tigading2177]

welcome to the illusion of corporate capitalism and trickle down economy, it has always worked until now.

[@elaine8417]

Why are we as a country just accepting this

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

Because we are not patriotic and don't stand firm together we moan and groan and put up with the 💩💩

[@jibjub2121]

because of the British stiff upper lip. We are angry and we need to show it.

[@97Bobson]

Because if our population can't even spell then how can we expect to survive?

[@jackowen6929]

What do you actually want the government to do? Given a large cause of this was printing money the government cant just magic this problem away.

[@josephlennon8475]

Why on earth have we accepted this from these scum politicians for so long?

[@thisismetoday]

Maybe you should have invited some of the many homeless people in the UK, people who lost their job recently, people living of benefits. Ask them how well the economy and government have been doing over the past years.

[@rickmaurer8726]

Nah the corporations and top 2% wouldn't want viewers feeling sorry for the poor. Better to show them on garbage reality tv shows where they are druggies, thieves, and scroungers.

[@camellia8625]

It is in Darlington a very affluent area

[@saxglend9439]

How to be a poor Brit: 1. Own a phone and a laptop 2. Smoke non-stop 3. Be perpetually drunk 4. Get free food from the foodbank 5. Clog up the doctor's waiting room with a minor ailment 6. Have several pets which you get bored of and have put down 7. Go on holiday to Benidorm 8. Stuff your ugly face with junkfood 9. Be at least 50 pounds overweight 10. Drive around in a mobility scooter 11. Pretend to need a walking stick 12. Hate the Tories because you aren't getting £1000 a week in welfare

[@rickmaurer8726]

@@saxglend9439 bet you are a hit at the hospitals and cancer wards. Lecturing people about how they brought their ailments on themselves and they should just do everyone a favor by offing themselves so the super rich don't have to pay more in taxes.

[@saxglend9439]

@@rickmaurer8726 Most illness is self-inflicted.

[@matthewstratford177]

Privatisation of everything was one of the countries biggest mistakes, you can't expect profit organisations to care if you freeze or not, as long as they don't loose too many paying customers. Also work needs to have value, the handout culture helps no one who could be working. Make work actually worth it.

[@alexandrabellerose3550]

Most people are on benefits because minimum wage is a disgrace, people with childcare are worse off working full time than part time due to childcare costs is one example.

[@matthewstratford177]

@@alexandrabellerose3550 very true and if both parents are working, then you don't qualify for free childcare, which is absolutely ridiculous 🙄

[@MrHellweasel]

@@alexandrabellerose3550 But if you spend your life on benefits, you never get a good work ethic, never improve your skills, and thus never have a chance at a well paying job.

[@alexandrabellerose3550]

It's true, but I can see why most people are demotivated. I know people who worked 3 - 5 years in different minimum wage/slightly above minimum jobs in hopes of gaining skills and moving up. For most it doesn't happen and they are stuck in loop where you save very little. Now people who go to uni, they often find themselves that the job market is oversaturated and since there is so many graduates employers get away with paying low wages, unless you picked very niche area and you are one of the lucky ones to actually get hired after your education. Most freshmen are not lucky to work in their area and have to pick dead end jobs for survival and it's hard to get out of that loop. Gone the days where you could buy a house for near minimum wage and you had no trouble getting a good job because you are a graduate. Is spending life on benefits better? No, unless you are satisfied with never having money for anything than bare minimum and always worrying about the debt. I can see why those people can be demotivated to work when work simply doesn't pay as it used to

[@matthewstratford177]

@@alexandrabellerose3550 For sure i can see why people are demotivated, when i was growing up My parents would have fallen into the unskilled work category, they both worked hard and bought a house. This was in the 80's before minimum wages were introduced and university was typically for people who needed to study for a profession. It was a struggle, but the hard work paid off. In my opinion the introduction of a minimum wage was just another bad idea, yes people get paid more but then basic goods and services also increase in price to offset company cost's and it closes the pay gap between unskilled and skilled work. A person working checkout in a grocery store working 50 hours a week will make more than a teacher, add to that the teacher's student loan repayments and out of hours marking, lesson planning and the fact that a professional worker still can't afford a home these days, why bother putting in the effort. Universities today are more about making money, a vast number of useless fields to study that only require hands on experience and 0 theory.

[@geoffnorton9279]

The real sad story is that this has all been manufactured and so few understand the reality.

[@bereal6590]

100%👏👏👏✌

[@geoffnorton9279]

@Peter Hicks Hello Peter. I said, "so few understand." You said, "some people understand." The problem is that not enough understand, or are prepared to give up their precious time to even listen.

[@jgnasher7048]

This is disgusting how some people have to live now....These Tories really have to go, I despise them.

[@braxxian]

Perhaps the people should stop voting them back in then. Just a thought.

[@paulflint6254]

@@braxxian Exactly

[@josephlennon8475]

No, J Gnasher. The whole of the political class and the "so called" House of Lords really have to go. That includes every MP from the useless Labour Movement.

[@The1mars1]

@@braxxian Just you wait and see how many of the poorest will still go and vote for them!! Goodness me they publicly say they do miss that idiot Boris!

[@audreymcgready4329]

@@32irishrats22 When you take in the cuts over the past 12 years no one is better off. Except the rich.

[@Marenqo]

We are spending money to fund private companies in the NHS! Why is that bloke allowed to challenge that doctor? Dreadful . Where do they find these people?

[@Admiral_Jezza]

"Why is that bloke allowed to challenge that doctor?" UK opinion on freedom of speech in a nutshell.

[@naxT890]

@@Admiral_Jezza Well in America we let the guns do the talking.

[@jellybean8167]

I was watching this on you tube in Germany and thinking `Why does nobody say anything about the new Tory private companies slowly taking over the NHS and recieving those funds meant for the REAL NHS!

[@quwipyui6519]

NHS this is system and the system is wrong and corrupt other countries have similar system and they're manage properly example France or Germany

[@mikefay5698]

This is a hack meeting arranged by the Tories and Labour!

[@mrbearbear83]

We're getting fked by people who've had it really well for their entire lives

[@braxxian]

The people are docile. They let it happen. You only have yourselves to blame.

[@mrbearbear83]

@@braxxian I completely agrer

[@saxglend9439]

Would you feed your children or buy cigarettes & alcohol?

[@sunnysparkles4729]

Universal credit is £334 a month, if the energy cap is £2500 then that leaves around £120 or so to buy everything u need to live for 1 month. It's a bit difficult 😕

[@moomin7461]

Soon to be £3000

[@ItsKarlDude]

I'm on ESA, and my yearly payment is around £6000 a year. It's just not possible. I haven't had the heating on in my house in years. People on benefits are not living a life of luxary like most people seem to think. That was Government propaganda to drive conflict between people so they could cut people's benefits.

[@moomin7461]

@@ItsKarlDude Unfortunately, people are too easily deceived by the Main stream media.

[@jamesjarrett52]

You haven't factored in rising rents, food prices, fuel prices...

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Yes Universal Credit is only £83.00 per week that wouldn't be enough to live off if you had to take the cost of Rent,Gas, Electric so that is why you get housing support money for your rent. And those who believe that there is those who are of working age are benefit scroungers is misleading propaganda spread by the government & media. In fact pensioners get more benefits than those who are only getting the £334.91 per month because I know pensioners who are getting £185.00 per week in addition to housing benefit and £150 taken off their electric bill before the £400 ( that most people are getting) and because they are on pension credit they are getting the cost of living payments and also £200 per year being topped to £500( those on Universal credit don't get that) also pensioners get a extra £10 ( those on Universal credit don't get that either) and a extra £25 whenever there's low temperatures ( those on working age means tested benefits don't get that) the majority of the benefits paid out are to pensioners so it's the pensioners that are the true benefit scroungers.

[@steve334]

I was visiting from America and I initially thought the UK was going to be expensive, but I didn’t know that it was going to be that expensive. Everything costs a fortune and I had to cut my trip short because I simply ran out of money.

[@royboy565]

Tories answer to economic problems is always the same. Cut public spending, raise taxes of the working man, and sing the song of Austerity. Reeves is right the UK can not afford a tory government.

[@annabella9833]

who would have thought English white people in the UK will be complaining on TV to an Indian host, in the UK with an Indian prime minister. What went wrong UK, you tell me.

[@thecrimsondragon9744]

We should force them to have a taste of their own 'austerity' by slashing their wages and cutting their expenses.

[@Blue1Sapphire]

Do u really believe a change of Gov will help. It took many decades & Govs to get to this point. All Govs print money to boost the economy. Eventually the house of cards has to fall. Printing paper money with no backing is the reason ecomomies swing from recession to boom. However the next recession could well be a severe depression. It certainly is shaping up that way with worldwide money printing debt of $300 Trillion.

[@daft9inety6ixer57]

@@Blue1Sapphire It's too late to explain this to people. There won't be enough time for Milton Friedman to do 8 part series explaining basic economics to the public in order to create political will for fiscal responsibility. I know that sounds sarcastic, but i'm completely serious. We don't have the time now, we're in a different spiral.

[@Blue1Sapphire]

@@daft9inety6ixer57 I believe u are correct. Better to prepare oneself for what is coming. Get out of the cities, form small communities and become self sufficient with no reliance on Gov.

[@enoghe9474]

The life style in UK is always very poor comparing to other Europeans and yet this is added

[@Neil-Aspinall]

God I remember being in Liverpool, Manchester and Chester and I could not get over the poverty then (2015) I can only imagine what it is like now?

[@mrbearbear83]

Brits could be stood in a queue for a foodbank dressed in rags and still think they are better off

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

Agreed

[@drunkensailor112]

@@mrbearbear83 they are the Americans of Europe.

[@MrMywonderworld910]

@@drunkensailor112 how are they the Americans of Europe?

[@bryanmoyna9715]

Nobody from the government or official representative available to listen to the citizens... That screams "IDGAF Keesha!" in real life. Wow! Just wow!

[@camellia8625]

The bank surcharge cut from 8 to 3 percent is shocking - the banks are the last organisations that need support

[@i-am-vonnegut]

The joke being we already did in 2008. I want a refund!

[@user-ey6rz3fv5y]

The supermarkets keep putting there prices up and things are not getting any better

[@shauntaylor6040]

Profiteering.

[@joyaustin6581]

For those with lawns. We should grow food instead of grass.

[@jmpicturefly]

it has always baffled me that as a nation we cannot seem to get the right people making the right decisions for our future. the system is not working

[@cinpeace353]

When government is more worry about losing the job instead of doing the job, there would be tend to be short sighted. Nothing really for long term. Kicking the problems down the road is always the practice.

[@braxxian]

That’s because the major parties didn’t exist to serve the people. They exist to serve themselves.

[@incognito96]

Because the population are sheep and listen to the like of Nigel Farage and Boris the bullet Dodger

[@moomin7461]

@32 Irish rats Yes, but the system wasn't working before any of those started. They have just accelerated an already downward spiral.

[@riyadougla539]

Because the people vote against their own interests.

[@infoseeker329]

being a carer is emotionally and physically breaking and for minimum wage :(

[@tiktokchallenge5663]

I've listened to all participants but more importantly two guys who were holding microphones for the whole 42 mins earned my respect more than anyone who were on the front scene👏

[@equalitypeace1695]

So we have a cost of living crisis and the government think it’s the best time to allow councils to put up council tax

[@equalitypeace1695]

@D C we pay enough through our income tax and national insurance to pay for these public service . Why should we have to pay more in council tax . Rather then backdating the windfall tax on energy companies who make billions in profits

[@equalitypeace1695]

@D C lot of our taxes is wasted on vanity projects like HS2 and garden bridges etc . Taking money from the poor and working class to give tax breaks to the rich has been a tory policy for decades . Time for a socialist government and nationalise everything

[@equalitypeace1695]

@D C that’s hard to do as the right wing are scaremongers

[@equalitypeace1695]

@D C government has been responsible for our econmy crashing and peoples mortgage going up

[@equalitypeace1695]

@@Craig121000 rich people need to stop hiding there money in tax havens so we can pay for our public services

[@Ova-bv4os]

im basically living off of chilli, stew and chicken saag eaten with potatoes at the moment as its easy to bulk cook it for fairly cheap, provides all the protein fat and carbs as well as nutrients. Ive been buying my meat in bulk, everything in bulk really, and im still paying around the same amount monthly as I did when i ate more freely with more variety. the price of even the cheapest cuts of meat is astonishing. I supplement the saag with chickpeas and the stew and chilli with beans to stretch a 4 portion serving to 8. It's a nightmare. I dont want a massive house, or need a garden and fancy furniture and all the niceties you can buy nowadays. I just want a home to call my own and enough money to eat well and not worry about my bills. I'm only 30 and I'm in terror of my retirement. I never got a chance to get any sort of foothold in life and what I do have npw is being whittled away. I dont see the point anymore. I've already sworn off ever having kids as there is no way I could ever afford them and I'm not selfish enough to do that, so that's taken from me, what next?

[@jacquelinethomas9664]

You are clearly adaptable and able to adjust to changing circumstances. I strongly suggest that you research the FIRE movement ( financial independence, retire early). The principles changed my mindset so much. Learn these, keep being resourceful and resilient and you will be fine.

[@tonybuttie3038]

same here, i can live in £7-10 per day easy, there too much waste, and people are too lazy today

[@SgtSnowballs]

Unfortunately this is how life is set up for the majority of us. The world is run by the elites who have the government as their puppets. We’ll be lucky to come out the other end of this BS Unscathed

[@MatthewChapmanYT]

Move abroad

[@Ova-bv4os]

@@MatthewChapmanYT I have 0 university education and worked my way up to my position over the course of 11 years of hard graft and putting in way more effort than was needed in order to make myself a valuable asset. If I leave, I might get a reference sure, but I'll have nothing else. I'll end up in a random job somewhere else, this time with no family to help support my first few months getting settled. The food rent and bills may be cheaper but my income will be useless too. I'll just be in the same position

[@englishsteve1465]

Yes more money is going into the NHS but then the NHS is being forced by government to contract with private providers for services that used to be "in house". This means that all that money and more is leaving the NHS as soon as it goes in. The profit making parts have been cherry picked and forcibly farmed out to the private sector who's services cost 2 and 3 times as much. Sunnack went to America to talk with giant US health insurers so we see where this is leading.

[@annapachaclarke2392]

Yes, and those private sector for profit companies, owned and shareholders are politicians, their families and their cronies! They are corrupt to the end!

[@1705louloutte]

That conservative kid, does he know you have to go to uni to become a teacher?

[@PandaPowerable]

What's the point of this group discussion when no one is there to answer the issues?

[@arghjayem]

Well there’s nobody there because Rishi Sunak has told all his ministers not to appear on TV in any form. You can’t question someone for answers who isn’t there aka can’t ask any questions, they can’t tell any lies. And lies are the default position of this government and this country and has been for the past 12 years.

[@will14496]

Did you listen to the first minute of the clip?

[@fuckbankers]

With this format we get real people saying it as it is. A minister would only waffle.

[@zenouxbeauty]

This is on channel 4 remember. It’s obvious the government will get this and act on it.

[@Robin-cf9ts]

Perhaps we should all just keep quiet and pull our forelocks!

[@georgiet2819]

Should have mentioned that even if we raised taxes we can not trust this government with it.

[@leonhenry4861]

Bingo

[@pamelasundie1384]

Higher taxes will not help, only hurt and create more despair

[@pamelasundie1384]

15.00 an hour is still minimum wage CONCIDERING how everything has gone up

[@i-am-vonnegut]

"Hopeful now that the government Is being Frank and honest" Gimme me a break.

[@johnathon304]

Give me a break also. 🙈

[@tigading2177]

I was shaking my head in disbelief.

[@keithbill310]

The people need to get together and help each other ... Our governments cannot help us now !

[@andrewnolastname2337]

No they will not help, that's an enormous difference. They have never once stopped forcing us to help them, it's time to force them to help us.

[@annapachaclarke2392]

People are doing that honey. We have brilliant groundwork charities in Manchester centre. I call on elderly neighbours who struggle to get shopping or are lonely. We need to build community support amongst us all. No excuse though to let government off. I personally think all politicians, whichever party are utterly useless, although they are corrupt and don't even hide it anymore. We need rid of them all, it is we workers who keep the country going, what use are politicians, they are self serving parasites!

[@keithbill310]

@@annapachaclarke2392 I agree with you and Im in huddersfield maybe I could help someone I dont know

[@TheJburt]

Won’t help us!

[@momofighter3211]

Should we eat the homeless?

[@suedenim6590]

The consequences are so much worse than anyone can comprehend

[@ceesay2010]

God help us all

[@acheung666]

Karma has come home to roost

[@Matt-uy5tw]

@32 Irish rats NHS funding has decreased c.6-7% when you factor in inflation. They offered a 3% increase when inflation is running at 10%+

[@jnwilliams1986]

Hats off to the young lad for asking the pressing questions of the working and middle classes. Bravo!

[@reginafisher9919]

It's happening in America as well this system is crumbling right before our eyes

[@daliaa5294]

Well you also have Brexit. Who wants to buy expensive UK exports?

[@NONAME-kw3pu]

who wants to buy any first worlds expensive exports when can get them all from china/india... chindia and the rest of the 3rd world for way cheaper as they work for $1/hr and NO BENEFITS/no health care/ no pensions / no anything. that is why they have large families HOPING that the kids will take care of them in old age?????

[@lj6079]

I told a young family member to focus on English and maths at school as this is basics of any job and his reply was my teacher has said that it doesn't matter😳 no amount of money will help if the mentality of those in charge doesn't change.

[@lolavonwrinkle1617]

Well he’s not wrong. You could get top grades in all subjects and it wouldn’t guarantee you a decent wage these days.

[@SK-kh2rs]

Bet you made that up

[@magburner]

A very poor teacher.

[@lj6079]

@@lolavonwrinkle1617 what type of job will you get without English and maths?

[@lj6079]

@@SK-kh2rs No, it's the truth

[@nelsonkampeligi534]

I pray the people of the UK find a way out of this painful crisis. I have had personal contact with people from the cities mentioned and I know how nice they are and I am sorry to hear of the critical situations they are having to endure.

[@sleepsmartsmashstress740]

Nasty things do happen to good people. Being good is not a licence against not being a crime victim either

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Sadly the people in power lack Morals and values. Greed. They want us all homeless so they can take our homes and rent them out. Research Swansea University reducing the Stigma in Student Prostitution. Disgusting. No normal Government would allow such a thing. But then they are trying to teach 3 year olds S-x in school. They don't know what a child is, let alone how to fix the economy. To think I promoted this Country years ago. It's shameful what Governments have done to all our children and families.

[@tomjason2495]

The stock market is a way to hedge against inflation. Most notably amidst recession, investors need to understand where and how to allocate funds to hedge against inflation and still make profits.

[@sheliaswelttk2535]

truly diverse marketplace passively by using a well-performing portfolio-advisor.

[@davidnewbury1721]

@@sheliaswelttk2535 I agree, having a portfolio-advisor for investing is genius! Not long ago amidst the pandemic crash in March 2020, I was really having inveesting nightmare prior touching base with a license portfolio-advisor. In a nutshell, i've accrued over $550k with the help of my advisor from an initial $120k investment thus far.

[@gabriellewilson5625]

@@davidnewbury1721 The stock market is down 20% this year. Keeping my money in bank could be no good but investing is riskier, I wish to find better value deals as asset prices keep decreasing but lack the skillset, mind if I look up your advisor? I admit this is the only way for amateurs like myself

[@davidnewbury1721]

@@gabriellewilson5625 Trying times are ahead, and good personal financial management will be very important to weather the storm. It would be very a innovative suggestion to look out for Financial Advisors like " Tracy Helene Aalvik, who can help shape up your portfolio.

[@williamskohler8337]

@@davidnewbury1721 I just looked up this person out of curiosity, and surprisingly she seems really proficient. I thought this was just some overrated BS, I appreciate this.

[@fatty3383]

I think 2023 is going to be a horrible year.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Get that man a Kewpie doll!

[@tanveerhasan2382]

So it seems, so it seems

[@philcooper279]

Wait and see what 2024 will be like.

[@debbieframpton3857]

We'll have to wait and see let's get through 2022 first

[@Dennis_Reynolds]

It will be.

[@dianaesparza1878]

Watching this makes me appreciate all I have regardless of the struggles because there are always one who struggle more then others😕

[@powpunkonwhiskey6377]

Absolutely. It isn't easy ATM but compared to others myself and my family are fortunate. I hope we come through this quickly. Money worries really are hard to deal with, especially for families who try to shelter their children from the stress.

[@jacksingh4033]

Well said also lots of appliances we don't need hairdryers dish washers washing machines etc remember thec70s we had nothing outdoor loos

[@PKSiAMiAM]

When you talk about pensions of the future. I turn 30 soon, I know with how pensions are being managed I won't get a government pension despite being forced to pay it. At the rate it is going I won't be able to retire as I can't afford to privately save enough to ever afford to create a pension that will allow me to retire in any way despite being very frugal and the only debt that I have being my home.

[@juliabishop1968]

So the banks are the beneficiaries in this budget. The same banks who were bailed out by the taxpayers after the last crash, and the taxpayers are still paying for that financial mess. Oh, and the bankers bonuses continued to be dished out regardless. Sigh.

[@c0detearz320]

Most banks are owned by particular religion, do I need to mention

[@daviniarobbins9298]

If the banks hadn't been bailed out our money would have been valueless. Don't think you realise just how interconnected and dependent we are on banks these days. Thanks to governments over the years we have moved from wages and benefits being paid in cash to now numbers on a computer screen.

[@ZiggyMercury]

I don't like it that most participants are not ordinary people. I especially dislike the inclusion of those young participants, because most of them seem to be politically motivated, with three of them being, in essence, young politicians, and all three are from the same party. I suspect these guys don't represent the young population at large, so their inclusion (and substantial air time) in this discussion creates, in my view, an unbalanced image of what the public thinks (which I thought was one of the main points of this kind of "town hall").

[@elonmusk8623]

Hello

[@riyadougla539]

Because most youngsters do not care one bit about political or social issues. Too busy on Tiktok and Netflix.

[@andronac62]

@@riyadougla539 So it means they are basically not complaining about the current soaring cost of living?

[@iknow6147]

State propaganda.... life is a stage

[@chilli-iceolive-abode2447]

25:49 seems like a nice genuine chap...

[@BedsitBob]

The Chancellor should've raised the lowest tax from £12,500 to £20,000. He'd get pretty much all of the "lost" tax back in VAT, when people buy things, with the extra £1,500 in their pocket, which will support the businesses they are buying from.

[@jackmacfakie1387]

Do you know how inflation works at all champ? Idiotic comment.

[@Sarah_in_London]

That only increases inflation!

[@bengardener8928]

@@Sarah_in_London Nonsense, people spending their own money does not lead to inflation, governments taking that money to create jobs that reduce the numbers in the private sector does. It's either people keep more of their money and support jobs in the private sector resulting in the production of more goods, reducing inflation, or government uses the money to support the public sector, decreasing jobs in the private sector.

[@DrJams]

Taxation is Theft

[@thetruthwillwinoneday]

One of ReformUK policies. Real change is needed.

[@darrenmaclaren5352]

There are too many people, and not enough of them are paying in to the pot. Taxes are rising to accommodate for this. Yes, there are crises going on in the world that affect things, but when haven’t there been. Middle earners will pay for this mess, as is usually the case.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Other large Westen European countries, such as France, Germany and Italy, have similar sized populations to the UK, with similar demographics, so find themselves in a similar situation. These countries differ from the UK, in that workers pay more tax overall, but companies also invest more in their workers (education, training, equipment), so their productivity is comparatively higher, enabling them to pay more tax to support an aging population.

[@jacwindsor5552]

Where I am, there are loads of comfortably off people, with their loads of kids and cockapoos, people carrier, regular trips to Australia. Some people in Kent are not suffering at all

[@rachelgrigg7189]

young tories are frightening.

[@rknow78229]

Yes, just like the young Republicans here in the United States, frightening and a little crazy in the head.

[@johnmccann5104]

So are old ones 😉🇬🇧

[@kimcolligan7948]

I'd be ashamed to say I was a tory never mind a young one, get out and get a life you silly boys

[@_Richard_F___]

Who would have thought having uncontrolled MASS immigration would come with massive strain on public services 🤔

[@markrichardson5673]

Yes, point at the people who have nothing and blame them for the actions of those who hold power. It's the people at the very bottom taking all the money, not the insane spending on weapons and war, the result of which generates all those poor people at the door.

[@_Richard_F___]

@@markrichardson5673 you're correct on two points, naive about the rest, but my statement still holds true. But you did try your best.

[@Jane-rc2rk]

The reason the public sector is struggling for finances is simply that they have all been chronically underfunded for decades. As a teacher of 32 yrs experience, highly skilled, chosen to stay as teacher rather than become a head, my take home pay has increased by £200 pcm over the past twelve years. If worked a comparable number of hours (some weeks in excess of 60 hours per week) I’d earn as much at Aldi. I buy my own resources and those for the children so that I can do my job properly. This problem is historical. Money handed to schools in the budget will simply pay for the increased energy bills.

[@VeeShenge]

The UK has one of the highest income tax rates in the world, what exactly is under funding?

[@Jane-rc2rk]

@@VeeShenge clearly we don’t pay enough otherwise things would be better. Clearly too many people pay nothing and take too much. It certainly isn’t going into fair pay for teachers, schools and care staff.

[@VeeShenge]

@@Jane-rc2rk this mentality you have is the reason why the UK is not the land of opportunity.

[@Jane-rc2rk]

@@VeeShenge what? I’m a teacher … my raison d’etre is give children opportunities. However, if the education and health systems don’t pay graduates well then there won’t be an education nor a health system. When my 23yo newly graduated daughter earns more than I do after 32!yrs I would countenance anyone against becoming a teacher. Atm I’m looking at an underfunded school in an impoverished area, with few resources beyond those which I have provided, in a old and draughty building with doors that don’t close properly, with Jo heating because we can’t afford it. The children are 7/8. Luckily I have enough money but I couldn’t manage on my own otherwise. I live in the SE. Don’t talk rubbish! Schools have been operating on a shoe string for year! The increase the gov had just announced will simply cover the increases in utility bills, not the pay rises.

[@bengardener8928]

@@Jane-rc2rk As Vee said, what do you call underfunding? Because governments have been borrowing for decades to fund that, amongst other things. That means now a good chunk of govt revenue is lost to interest payments. Teach the kids that when you live above your means it leads to a future of being worse off than you'd be had you lived with your means all along. Just because some people think x deserves more, does not mean anymore exists to give. We should really have higher tax brackets though for people who make millions, why did they reduce the high tax rate bracket instead of adding more brackets, say 60% if over 500k income, 65% if over 1m, 90% if over 1bn etc. Because that would not actually hamper business due to avoiding tax on business expenses.

[@aaronadeboye4626]

On sky news they broke down the NHS budget, going on to state that the money instead of going to services has been spent on maintaining dilapidated building which are in need of repair, NHS hospitals haven’t been exempt form the increasing energy bill … it’s the inflation burdens the NHS meaning any money that has gone in has just stretch a system that already at breaking point. Health care staff do not dictate the NHS budget, unfortunately it’s the business of health.

[@MrSteet67]

But are they saying that the money from all the vacant job roles that are lowering NHS standards, is being funded into building work and bills?? I'm sorry, but shouldn't that be a separate budget?? The NHS really is going under if that's the case...

[@tonybuttie3038]

what about all the immigrant we have legal and illegal, nothing said about that, they are using the nhs etc, never paid a penny

[@romystumpy1197]

@@tonybuttie3038 well if the British weren't so lazy sitting at home with bogus ailments on benefits we wouldn't have them coming in droves,Britain is sick and broken ,bought on by its own people ,I find it hilarious

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Don't forget the increasingly large number of non-clinical managerial staff such as hospital administrators, who control their own budgets, allowing them to pay themselves what they think they deserve...

[@ChrisKlein0]

Can also thank labours PFI hospitals for sucking up shed loads of cash!

[@discodavid26]

Been trying to save a deposit for 23 years for a first home …… and despite being in full time employment all that time I’m still further from buying a house then when I was an unemployed teenager in the late 90s ……and people are saying it’s a new thing off this cost off living crisis? 🤷‍♂️

[@craftyrouze]

Invest if you haven't done so. In 23 years your investments would have given you enough returns for the deposit

[@MatthewChapmanYT]

But 99% would rather be warm and healthy then freezing and hungry investing £20 a week

[@craftyrouze]

@@MatthewChapmanYT you should never invest more than you can live without.

[@lehoo6798]

Holy ...... Saving money for 23 years and still don't have enough for deposit? How much do you save a month,£20? 23yrs (276 months) 276x £350 =96 600.

[@MatthewChapmanYT]

@@lehoo6798 96K isn’t a deposit in some parts of the UK though. Thanks to the Ukrainian resettled, chinese Hong Kong etc

[@andydrewlinger9301]

A very interesting range of perspectives and opinions. I've only viewed this once, but I suspect a good two or three viewings is best--to get a full-on, depth sense of the many connections and complexities that impact this. For now, I will say specifically that the public industry and private industry similarities/differences and those between small business and corporations really need more airing in this kind of broadcast. Hopefully there are plans for a follow-up report that dives deeply into these categories of concern. All the best to everyone affected by these challenging circumstances.

[@beltingtokra]

Tax excess wealth, cut the MPs' expenses, massive councillor and CEO salaries. Pay the staff better and they will stay.

[@robbiemoore2884]

The argument from tories tends to be trickle down theory, which is why they don't increase inheritance tax on incredibly wealthy families, corporation tax or even just closing tax loopholes on nom doms. If they make money, they increase the workers wages. The problem is, they don't. They make money then keep it, never sharing it with the workers who helped make that wealth. If there was an effort to make this happen (and I mean make not just hope employers will do the right thing) then perhaps the cost of living can be softened considerably.

[@lucyj7506]

Trickle down economics is rich people gibberish. It didnt work under Reagan in the 80's, it wont work now and will never work....cause its bull💩

[@systemsouth]

But inheritance tax is robbing dead bodies. It's pure evil. Absolutely disgusting taxing money that has already been taxed. No!

[@robbiemoore2884]

@@systemsouth they're dead... they don't need the money anymore and the overwhelming amount of money that gets passed on to already wealthy relatives can be used to save lives

[@samuelgold394]

People are paid what you are worth it's not in the businesses responsibility to pay you more because you say so

[@robbiemoore2884]

@@samuelgold394 no you're paid as little as an employer can get away with so as to maximise profits

[@Internal.Inferno]

An Amazon "Fulfilment Centre", forces warehouse stock packers to meet a daily target that at first, with a few days practice. Seems easy to reach... but then that target goes up every time you hit it. It's either that or getting fired for not meeting these targets. 🤔

[@mohamoudmohamoud3393]

Hahaha i learned that lesson very early thank god

[@Internal.Inferno]

@@mohamoudmohamoud3393 I've heard from several friends...I got lucky. Knew to avoid applying there.

[@elonmusk8623]

Hello

[@c0detearz320]

@@elonmusk8623 search sunna musk

[@NeedMoarRage]

I work in one of their sortation centres and my experience seems different to yours. Now of course there are targets, you obviously can't just turn up but there was no need to overwork yourself either. This is all helped by the management and fellow colleagues who make the work tolerable. I've worked in various types of work and while it can be a little physically demanding, it is one of the least stressful ones.

[@conalcorbally3001]

Watched the whole 42 minutes. Pretty sure nobody even mentioned the word Brexit once 😆 Much like the USA, the solutions to their problems are obvious to everyone else, but totally inconceivable to them!

[@leonie7754]

No, we all know this, but the media just can't talk about it. Literally a media silence on it XD

[@Alex-pr6zv]

Contrary to what Ethan says, higher education should absolutely be free for all, as it is in the EU. This is how, despite my average income, I was able to send two children through university debt-free. Both are now gainfully employed in industry in Germany. Without free further education, Europe simply cannot compete with e.g. the Chinese and Indians in the vital high-tech sector. Now that the UK has also been cut off from scientific cooperation with the EU as a result of Brexit, it is already falling far behind. Certainly, there are a few success stories that certain people hold on to and present as proof of success, but in the Netherlands and Germany, for example, every small town has several of those. This type of investment in the future is doubly worthwhile .

[@stephenlyon1358]

Scotland has free higher education. Please dont land us with those louts.

[@tinalewis9529]

Education is seen as a luxury in the UK. It is a basic need, educated and trained people make a better a society. Skills are necessary, I learnt skills in secondary school and at the age of 7, I learnt how to make scramble eggs on toast. Children don't have that now in the UK, it's tragic. Degrees are very important, the quality of education is essential. I learnt skills in University too, it wasn't just studying and books, I learnt to live on a tight budget which I think is essential for now.

[@mikefay5698]

Education is the supposed panacea but vast increases in graduates has only made the economy worse. Socialism can make these bright young people unbelievably productive. Playing with the stock exchange abbacus and increasing crime to feed Lawyers and Police is parasitic! BITCOIN! Anyone?

[@wayneanderson8034]

It is wise for higher education to be free, but not free for everyone. Investing in those with demonstrated academic performance makes sense, they are going to give society the highest return on investment. But giving everyone who shows up a free university education would just be dumb. Likewise, free trade school education for those who want a career in trades, if they demonstrate a work ethic. Why would we deny a person who can give more than they take simply because they cannot afford an education?

[@stephenlyon1358]

@@wayneanderson8034 simmer down now - there are course requirements for goodness sake. We have free trade school here in Scotland.

[@jaybo8136]

How do they expect a care worker to live on £10.43 hr,

[@thelevelupcommunity]

It’s crazy

[@unknownunknown2576]

120 £ a day for a 12 hour shift. 4 shifts for £480 a week. Overtime always available at time and a half. Give me a break. Jeez

[@Subtleknife12367]

Errr....by using a budget and living within their means.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

48 hour work week comes to £500 a week- with budgeting this is possible. Not sure how it works if you have dependents though?

[@thelevelupcommunity]

@@Bringon-dw8dx that’s before tax, say your a single person, on 2000 a month, after tax it’ll be 1600… This Is the AVERAGE PERSONS EXPENSES!! 200 fuel, 150 car payment, 100 insurance, rent/mortgage 600, council tax 150, water/gas/electric 200.. That person now has 200 pound to last them the month! They still have to eat which would easily cost 400 a month! There’s - 200 already

[@daviniarobbins9298]

I see the big elephant in the room wasn't mentioned: GBP to USD exchange rate. We import more than we export. That is the biggest driver in inflation rates currently yet no one is talking about it. A few months ago GBP to USD was about $1.30-ish now its about $1.14-ish. And since oil is sold in dollars you can see why the price has gone up 20p, 30p lately.

[@crzune]

Shush we never talk about Brexit, the working class of the post-industrial towns and cities were so convinced that it would work lol

[@jacquelinethomas9664]

Look at the rate fall immediately after the Brexit vote. But shush 🤫 we aren’t to supposed to mention the B word. After all, everyone knew what they were voting for.

[@tonybuttie3038]

or the other Elephant : immigration, legal and illegal;??

[@NONAME-kw3pu]

wasnt it like 2 GBP to $1 USD not that long ago? sinking steadily. the dollar has been loosing value for a long long long time now from inflation/stagflation. OPEC 1973 stagflatioin/double digit inflation/double digit unemployment, things were really never the same after that. unions got real quiet as jobs went to japan... china... mesico... central mesico... the 3rd world and so did the american "dream" of being able to own own DECENT home, 2 decent cars PAID FOR, send kids to college (not happening now without BIG TIME STUDENT $40,000 loans for .... a maybe worth something, maybe not, koledge degree.... the US of mesico will be 3rd world by 2050 with 500 million ppl in it. a country that was full in 1974 when OPEC held the worlds oil hostage, when US had 220 MILLION PPL in it. 330 million now....

[@crzune]

@@NONAME-kw3pu One pound was equal to 2 USD like 20 years ago now as of today it's worth about 1.19.

[@Alex-jc7eo]

God, the Tory youth guy looks and sounds exactly like I’d expect him to. What a weapon.

[@timcomley5948]

You judge people on their looks, dearly me cretin

[@chrisclark9482]

Tim nice but dim.

[@A_kiwis_view]

A kiwi's view: Thanks Channel 4 for an enlightening program. Watching the country of my birth from 14,000 miles during this traumatic time is fascinating. To hear the response from a cross section of a community gives me some insight into the public mood

[@koogle5410]

Same..I'm in Vanuatu..left UK in 2001 thank god. I'm now able to support the rest of my family stuck there. It's just heartbreaking seeing what's happening.

[@quwipyui6519]

who cares

[@iknow6147]

No .... this is state propaganda

[@koogle5410]

@@quwipyui6519 not u lol

[@A_kiwis_view]

@@jacquielapierredufresne5468 Only the country that committed Brexit Is doing worse.

[@plumduff3303]

My heart goes out to people we've had enough of the tories and brexit doesn't work.

[@smilangkendu5941]

We need general election now

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Having a general election won't solve the problem. Remember there was a financial crash in 2008 under Labour so it's a combination of government and the commercial system that is to blame. Even with a change of government as long as we depend on a commercial system there's going to be economic issues because they are both responsible for the situation.

[@MikeSnifferpippets]

The fact they been paying farmers to not grow crops for the past year or so is alarming also!!

[@daviniarobbins9298]

It keeps the prices of food inflated. If there was double the amount of oats for example(I don't know if we grew oats here or not) grown by farmers the price of oats would halve in value overnight.

[@MikeSnifferpippets]

@@daviniarobbins9298 the value of oats will not decrease, the amount of people able to eat on the other hand, will decrease. They can say whatever with their double speak and the sheep believe them. They do not have our best interests at heart not have they ever. We need about 25 million pitchforkers and we need them yesterday.

[@stevewaters6414]

davinia robbins if the price paid to farmers halved do you think they will keep producing it at a loss be careful what you wish for and yes oats are grown in uk with wheat being the main grain produced

[@phoenixkali]

Of the crops that ate grown a large percentage is rejected because it's the wrong size or shape. Brexit was meant to reverse this.

[@riyadougla539]

Paying farmers not to grow crops? My goodness.

[@martinhammett8121]

We are spending less per head on health care than we were 15 years ago

[@rayosullivan4398]

At least your teeth got better

[@dr.impossibleofcounterpunc1984]

I'm looking forward to becoming a Politician, so I can lie, cheat and be someone else's lap dog. Whilst the public get poorer, and living standards steadily drop. The big daddies at the top. The Politicians in the middle, and the peasants at the bottom.

[@cinpeace353]

Being a professional lier and cheater is not as easy as it seems. You need to be a better lier and cheater than others in the political world. 🤣

[@dr.impossibleofcounterpunc1984]

@@cinpeace353 It seems you need to be immoral. Have low empathy. Pretend that your doing the right thing, when your really following a script written by others, and have a psychopathic undercurrent which exhibits a Demonic overlay. Westminster after all, is one big cathedral of lies and subversive double speak.....

[@moomin7461]

@@cinpeace353 It also helps if you spell liar correctly.

[@dr.impossibleofcounterpunc1984]

@@riyadougla539 The Globalists. Considering the vast majority of 'policy' in Government is mandated from upabove. Democracy really is a Greek joke! 😆 🤣 😂

[@saxglend9439]

Would you feed your children or buy cigarettes & alcohol?

[@Andrew68Taylor]

How much do politicians get paid? How about paying them the same as a nurse?

[@Anon-xd3cf]

Too many people talking about "making ends meets" without EVER addressing the fact that the shoe string budget is getting shorter and shorter despite all the cuts to expenditure.

[@lorrainei1622]

They need to pay people more in England. The amount of money the average person makes in the UK is shocking! I worked out there for 6 years and I was barely making 1k per month it’s awful. I’m praying for everyone in the UK because I know how hard it is living out there. 🙏🏾

[@lorrainei1622]

@@justifying6455 in England it’s just hard to make a decent wage. It’s disgusting what most jobs pay out there. I understand why so many people are going on strike out there because the jobs pay horrible in the UK. I moved to the u.s and it’s much better out here. I can actually afford to live somewhat of a decent life now. In England I had no hope! I’m praying for people out there because I know it’s tough out there.🙏🏾

[@taurus8263]

I work in a private sector and honestly I don't know where they take these figures from. I never receved a pay rise higher than 2.5% in good times. For the last few years no more than 2% incrase p/y

[@michaelrch]

That's not uncommon but on average, the private sector is getting pay rises than the public sector. The problem is that the average can be distorted by some highly paid jobs in London going up really fast even while pay for jobs elsewhere stagnates.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Public sector pay scales are transparent, regulated and negotiated by pay setting bodies and unions. By contrast, private sector pay is opaque, minimally regulated (living wage) and negotiated by individual workers. This means that public sector pay tends to vary comparatively less about the average, where as private sector pay suffers from more inequality, with significant proportions of workers earning both more and less than the average (mean), which is why *median* pay is a better indicator.

[@svenkamog2232]

Poor guy looks like he's struggling himself, wearing those trainers 😣

[@kalim3238]

Godbless and may u always b here for us 💥😘😘

[@Der8cho]

Here in the USA, we need to pay close attention to the inflation mess in Europe.

[@paullacey2999]

I like the presenter,he called a Tory a bad name recently.....🤣

[@timbobill7279]

I think he's done well over the years. I remember him on TV for us as kids and he handles things well. Comes across as fair.

[@jackkruese4258]

I work for ITN and unfortunately know him, he’s arrogant.

[@danielmaggs1048]

@@jackkruese4258 He’s a t*sser who is infamous for his treatment of Diana and Michael Jackson.

[@MOJORAPSCALLION]

How are people like us supposed to manage? Low earners and parents of young children? the new rates of fuel at £33.20 per week (summer usage rate includes no heating) when I get under £90 per week ESA? Too sick to work last decade (worked my whole life since 16 yrs old) I’m attached to tubes to keep me alive and can’t layer up as I need frequent access to them for feeds, fluids, medications and toileting, I also have to pay rent & all bills there will be nothing left for food & my heating isn’t even on, I use medical pumps 24hrs a day too.. I can’t even afford to put the heating on this year at all, I’m freezing and it’s causing me issues with my feeds going into my jejunum too cold 😕 i’m malabsorbing the feed as it’s too cold in temperature it’s Meant to be administered warm room temperature and i’m not allowed to heat it..

[@CharlieRabbit87]

I think there’s equipment to warm hanging drip feed bags. Do you have a district nurse? Possibly you can get one free once council/nhs understand your predicament? Sounds awful, I’m so sorry you’re going through this xx

[@framclean7910]

That rough. I hope it gets better soon. Maybe you should try an armed robbery. You will be warm in jail and get 3 meals a day.

[@anthonydoyle7370]

@@framclean7910 The cops wouldn't be able to catch her.

[@trutherasitis2109]

Contact your energy supplier they will help

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

There are often grants for people that need to use extra utilities for medical need (for example for those who have oxygen machines at home they get an electricity refund). Certainly worth asking the district nurses about

[@michaelrch]

11:31 You would never guess from that ludicrous tie knot that this guy is an estate agent....

[@kiarawright5087]

I knew as soon as the pandemic started we were going a be paying 10 dollars for a loaf of bread but everybody was like “shut it down”

[@Chris_34]

Kier Starmer hasn't got any answers. Make *Jeremy Corbyn* PM asap and rejoin the EU. 🇪🇺🥳

[@5thdimensionliving727]

Jagjit’s insights were very impressive..👏👏.. good to see Krishnan back presenting 👍

[@TheSocioEconomist]

It's heartbreaking, honestly! I did a video on my channel about the cost of living crisis. Though approached the same topic differently

[@erict.watson2460]

If freeports are such a great idea, why were they abandoned previously? They are _not_ going to generate as much for the UK as has been suggested (because they sit outside standard regulation) and may well damage their local economies; if they act as a sink for the available workforce they could effectively destroy communities.

[@jaybo8136]

These young Conservatives are dodgy!

[@craftyrouze]

Sound and look a lot like Boris. Must be the school that kind goes to

[@arifhassan6555]

The cost of living has gone up in most countries, but it’s worse here in the uk , Brexit made it worse.

[@phil2806]

Brexit hasn't happened yet

[@NONAME-kw3pu]

COST OF existing has gone up up up up since late 60's and outpaced wage "growth" ever since. forevermore as the rich take more and more of the pie and the poor just multiply.

[@enochpowell8607]

Only losers are struggling.. it's nothing to do with BREXIT

[@enochpowell8607]

@@arifhassan6555 1MM1GR4NT5

[@arifhassan6555]

@@enochpowell8607 That's right without them you can't even fry a portion of chips,You need them to feed you ,to deliver your food on your doorstep.😂😂😂You even have immigrants working for you in immigration mate😂😂😂 you lost it .

[@reelmockery7069]

They really didn’t even touch on the important issues impacting modern consumers. Barely mentioned any of the added costs for consumers especially the poorest members. No talk about food, rent, gas, heating, and so on. Why wasn’t there any anger from the participants? Carefully selected panel to ensure nobody got out of line it seems. Also certain topics were obviously not allowed such as sending money out of the country. A missed opportunity.

[@mikefay5698]

That's Rupert Murdoch for you. Bound for the place where global warming is constant. Have you ever noticed that Sikhs are everywhere these days. Wish I was middle class and be on a selected audience of ORDINARY! people. And look concerned and very, very serious!

[@BedsitBob]

I strive to buy locally (I get all my toilet paper, kitchen paper, washing up liquid, laundry gel, shower gel etc. from the outdoor market), but some things are just not available locally. I've spent the morning, visiting about half a dozen chemists, looking for a certain product, but none of them have it, so I've had to resort to Amazon. That's £20 that could've gone to a local business.

[@mikefay5698]

"Cocaine going through your brain" Never mind the locals go up the Amazon to end your pain! Or up the Orinocco to buy some cocoa!

[@akanonymoss]

Having lived in and around Darlington for many years, this is nowhere near a true representation of the majority of residents. These are clearly cherry picked. Get some real people in.

[@titteryenot4524]

After this debate they need to do a ‘Cost of *Leaving* ‘ one. The 2 *are* linked.

[@ButtrflyEffect]

The first lady’s problems were literally brushed aside by the interviewer

[@alanhat5252]

no, she was just taking too long, she had fully made an important point that was picked up by other speakers. The 42-minute slot was inadequate for such a huge topic.

[@jacquelinethomas9664]

Maybe because the presenter realised that someone on benefits complaining that she has to take shower’s instead of baths and is struggling so much she uses her credit cards to buy her son’s favourite food wouldn’t go down too well with the really struggling families who pay taxes to fund her lifestyle.

[@davenemo5494]

American here. Quick question. How can one expect the same level of care from 10 years ago without an increase in funding. I’m pretty sure the UKs population has grown since then.

[@Chris_34]

How about Amazon, Google, Facebook, Starbucks and all the rest of these giant companies actually start paying their fair share of tax? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Just a thought.

[@braxxian]

Because if they did that then they wound make bribes…,sorry donations to the major parties to pocket. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.

[@camellia8625]

💯

[@tindrums]

Define it... "fair share"

[@bankaihadouken1180]

Translation: Cost of greed crisis.