How are England's deprived areas coping with rising cost of living? - BBC Newsnight

Pressure is mounting on UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt over the upcoming cut in support for energy bills.
It comes as energy firms are due to write to customers to warn them of bill increases from the start of April within days.
While inflation may have peaked, the rate of food price rises is still running at nearly 17%, and typical household energy bills are set to rise to £3,000 per year next month.
Since December, Newsnight has been following people who are struggling to get by in Knowsley, the second most deprived borough in England.
The programme returned again last week to see how people there are coping amidst the big squeeze. Victoria Derbyshire reports.
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[@glengamble526]

Let me get this straight…someone actually criticized that young mother FOR GIVING HER CHILD FRESH FRUIT? Really?

[@Taran532]

No we’re criticizing her for being a single mother.

[@laurenanderson7330]

@@Taran532 why would you criticise someone for that?

[@Taran532]

@@laurenanderson7330 because single mothers are a cancer to society.

[@laurenanderson7330]

@@Taran532 soo…the problem is the fathers that leave then?

[@Taran532]

@@laurenanderson7330 right, because that’s usually what happens 🙄

[@outsidersongs2682]

I think the core root of the problems here in the UK is deprivation of uk workers. People working full time should be enjoying a comfortable life. They should be able to, as a single person, pay their rent, pay their bills, run a car, afford nutritious food and have enough left to save each month. But instead they have everything against them. Cost of housing, cost of living, cost of fuel are all beyond the incomes of most people, especially younger adults who tend to be on lower wages. People are working more than one job often while still struggling to buy food. They are losing the opportunity to save, to start a pension. We urgently need to sort this out. The cost of housing needs to come down. There should be rent cap laws in line with average incomes in localities for example. The cost of housing has become ridiculous too. The cost of a basic 3 bed semi or terrace should be realistic for the actual incomes people have. Trouble is extreme house values have put both buyers and owners in a trap. Where I live, average incomes for poor families are very low but a small, very basic, 2 bed terraced house is hundreds of thousands of pounds. This means the working poor cannot even get on a property ladder. And poverty negatively impacts health so the number of sick and infirm needing government assistance increases, and the system gets more punative to discourage what was never a choice to begin with. If the working poor had decent lives, decent homes, could pay their bills, sleep at night, feed their families, actually ENJOY life then we would be a happy, thriving nation. But right now - its just utter misery.

[@Chahlie]

I'm 60, in Canada, and have just changed jobs and will be working 7 days a week for the next year in order to get the final push I need to immigrate to a warmer cheaper country. It makes no sense to me why people are so bound and determined to stay where things are so bad.

[@outsidersongs2682]

@@Chahlie i think migration requires a lot of money and a great deal of upheaval as well as takkng on big risks. You have to apply successfully for visas. I have health conditions that mean I would never get a visa. If it was easy to change nations, i think a lot of people would do it. I would love to live somewhere more left wing and multicultural with a warmer climate and more sun, but its not ever going to happen sadly.

[@SissysMa]

Root of the problem is the UK government. Corrupt greedy disgusting c**ts 🤬

[@maximyles]

Rent caps do not solve the cost of housing, unfortunately. Housing is a market like anything else, and it is denoted by supply and demand. We need to increase the supply of housing - by unresrticting planning laws, and potentially levying taxes. on empty houses or under-occupied housing. We need more efficient use of space. However as a landlord, property investor, and someone who works in UK homelessness - Onve of the biggest issues I see in simple access to housing is the demand issue. London is not big enough to house everyone, people need to get used to moving from the centre, because more affordable housing exists elsewhere. That’s the uncomfortable truth.-

[@mikeyyoyo6464]

@@outsidersongs2682 I agree, I’m 59 and it’s a bit late to get away now, couldn’t afford it anyway, also how come the energy companies made record profits last year as well as the fuel suppliers it’s all messed up

[@justintimefortea7655]

It's pathetic that there are so many comments here dissing the lass who had strawberries. It seems that - according to these commenters - not buying strawberries is the answer to this huge problem! It reminds me of a time in the 60s when we (as a family... I was about 8yo) had to go through a 'means test'... we were in desperate need of food and help (6 kids ... 'daddy' ran away with a new girlfriend)... the guy doing the test was similar to the short-sighted, ignorant commenters on this thread... he walked into our house, saw that we had a dog ('Patch' we had him since I was a toddler) and said... '... if you can afford to feed a dog you dont need help!' ... then he left. It was winter... we were burning the internal doors and kitchen cabinets for heat... electric and gas both cut off as 'father' hadnt paid the bills... there was ice on the inside of the windows... 3 youngest were crying with hunger (we had eaten some chips the day before... nothing since then), BUT ... if we had a dog then we must be ok...?! Exactly the same logic as you 'strawberry fools!'... 🙄😡

[@N3gativeR3FLUX]

People that have not experienced true poverty have no idea the choices we have to make on a day to day basis.

[@ratchet2505]

Age of the internet, they say what they want but won't go and do something about it.

[@ratchet2505]

I've been close to the poverty line before but thankfully never crossed it but it's still hard for most, just give a hand when you can and that's how we'll get through this.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

There are always those who say cut back and cut out. They will tell you how they cut back. When they have millions in the bank. They have no bloody idea.

[@angelinasouren]

So true. She may have saved up to be able to afford the strawberries or maybe it is the one treat a week or maybe they were discounted. People have no idea. I used to have a good friend who commented negatively on there being a TV in poor people's homes, on TV. If you cut people off from the world, that's not useful at all, to the contrary. You have to do what you can to stay part of the rest of the world in every way that you can. Poverty is such a trap, it can really isolate you, and that also happens because of the things that you can no longer afford to buy. You forget that they even exist. They disappear from your mind.

[@jackt883]

Getting rather fed up of seeing greedy companies like Shell, BP, Esso etc making record profits while people freeze and starve to pay for those companies greed.

[@deejay7648]

Shell, BP, Esso etc do not set the price of their products. That’s done at a global market level through supply and demand. Thanks to net zero and all the other green idiocy supply is down hence prices are high

[@originalunoriginal4055]

They are not forcing people to buy their products/use their services. Plus they have nothing to do with households in poverty, because those people likely have no cars, hence don't have any association with those companies.

[@ttii9]

Regardless of what you state, climate change is hugely driven by fossil fuel consumption which must be eliminated in favour of environmentally friendly alternatives. Otherwise we're doomed. And those involved in production is largely to blame for our ill-health driven by pollution. Smoking is equally as evil and must be stopped by all means if we want humanity to thrive.

[@jackt883]

@@originalunoriginal4055 Dumb comment. The high fuel costs are the root cause of high cost of living. Everything you buy currently from fuel, to food to goods & services have all gone up in price due to the base price of fuels going up.

[@paullittle5200]

​@@jackt883 some people are just bigoted,I'm OK jacks.

[@andyroo9381]

I'm sorry for the people in the UK. I'm in the USA. We have similar problems here with housing costs and rents rising to unaffordable levels. It has put many people on the streets. I don't know how the UK system is run but It really shocks me how much heating costs have risen in just the last few years.

[@Arltratlo]

the UK is the show case if you have a unreliable government run by idiots.... here inside the EU, we are hit, too... but we are far far away from the UK problems, maybe one reason is our governments are care much more about their citizens... the UK government hates democracy the same way as your Republicans do... losing power just because some fools cast a vote isnt understood by Conservatives...

[@johnthompson7105]

Large numbers of english people are struggling but freeloaders from across the world turn up and expect to be kept in 5 star luxury

[@RicheeBe]

a WAR . why are people forgetting this ?

[@robertjones2053]

@@RicheeBe because it's a proxy war. Who benefits the most from europe not able to get russia gas??? Let me tell you. It's the usa. Blowing up N2 now means when the war is over we will still not beable to get gas from they part of the world. Lng is what america sells but it comes in a different form than our pipes take so we have to convert it back before we can use it in the uk therefore it cost more.

[@robertjones2053]

The f ing Americans blew up N2 so even when the war is over we still have to buy lng gas from the USA. How convenient for the Americas... We cannot use LNG in uk pipe work so have to convert it first which is why its costing us a fortune compared to america. Thank Joe Biden for his proxy war. 🤑🤑🤑

[@polygonalmasonary]

4:48 £60,000 is nothing to a community of several thousand souls, your local MP gets paid a minimum of £84,000 that’s ONE PERSON with their head in the public money trough doing a job that historically used to be done by passionate volunteers.

[@markgayle5453]

Yes that’s why we get crap rubbish politicians we do not pay them enough. £84000 ( you loose about £22 in tax easily )living in London it is not big money far from it, plenty of of households with 2 earners get more than that.

[@babalonkie]

@@markgayle5453 Unfortunately the flip side of that is they definitely have not earned a payrise... The system needs reforming. Lords need replacing, monarchy needs removing (So the army, Police, emergency services and MP's official bosses are the public and not the King/Queen of which is the real not so hidden reality. They all swear an oath to them and not the people. Plus more tax to the country and we would lose zero revenue from them... we will gain revenue from opening their palaces and selling land) and parliament needs a clear out, with the introduction of limits who can apply, career politicians, friends of friend's, family links, links to businesses, wealth, other countries or other powerful people should all be banned. Those that then are left should then be well payed... you would quickly notice a massive change in quality of service to the British public.

[@T5Zplayer]

Which history book is that nonsense from?

[@Lekirius]

@@markgayle5453 Yeah and the average fresh grad earns £20k, £17k after taxes and NI, also living in London.

[@markgayle5453]

@@Lekirius They not running the country making life & death decisions are they.

[@markscott7324]

Six years ago I left the UK because the cost of living there even back then was too much and I did feel it would only get worse. Although I didn't think it would be quite as bad as it has got. Good luck to everyone back there.

[@hms9891]

I live in Finland and there’s not a single scenario where I ever move back to the UK permanently

[@lynnedavies5884]

I bet most of the men will be at the home football matches watch the crowd's they all don't rich to me.

[@catherinebirch2399]

I would leave given the option.

[@hms9891]

@@catherinebirch2399 always opportunities if you have no serious commitments, it’s about reaching out and not giving up

[@ghosthdel3098]

I bet you if Finland goes to war you will comeback to the UK and use our benefit systems from health to financial help.... but you havent pay tax for years right?

[@muddundee]

Back in 1984 when i went self employed i earnt £10 an hour, Today min wage is the same £10 per hour, but according to the BOE inflation calculator £10 then is nearly £30 today. In reality our money has devalued by two thirds.

[@anarchodandyist]

1984. Who knew.

[@bimmeroo0906]

Wages frozen thanks to Blair's importation of cheap labour 2004, population rocketed by 15 million.

[@mikeyyoyo6464]

muddundee 👏👏👏

[@maelictyrsune]

But you had to leave the EU. Because who knows why.

[@TravelByRail]

Mínimum wage in 1980 was £3.60 which adjusted to inflation is £19.75… what’s minimum wage now? £9.55

[@africanboi4542]

With markets tumbling, inflation soaring, the Fed imposing large interest-rate hike, while treasury yields are rising rapidly which means more red ink for portfolios this quarter. How can I profit from the current volatile market, I'm still at a crossroads deciding if to liquidate my $125k bond/stocck portfolio

[@evitasmith6218]

You’re right! The current market might give opportunities to maximize profi.t, but in order to execute such effective transactions, you must be a skilled practitioner.

[@adenmall7596]

I'm sure the idea of a coach might sound generic or controversial to a few, but new study by investopedia found that demand for portfolio-coaches sky-rocketed by over 41.8% since the pandemic and based on firsthand encounter, I can say for certain their skillsets are topnotch, I've raised over $500k from an initially stagnant reserve of $150K all within 11months

[@bsetdays6784]

@@adenmall7596 that's impressive!, I could really use the expertise of this advisors , my portfolio has been down bad....who’s the person guiding you

[@adenmall7596]

@@bsetdays6784 credits toELEANOR ANNETTE ECKHAUS, one of the best portfolio manager;s out there. she;s well known, you should look her up.

[@GKP999]

What people should be upset about is the wealth gap! So many of the super wealthy are able to hide their wealth. The government need to tax them and help the poor.

[@paullittle5200]

That's exactly what the problem is,the unbalanced,distribution of wealth over many years is the main cause of this problem.

[@GKP999]

@Paul Little The wealth gap issue affects so many countries, some worse than others. Rich people should be worried about the growing wealth gap. The greater the gap, the less safe and stable a country is. And looking at history, revolutions start when average people cannot take it anymore.

[@GKP999]

@F M Yes, I know.

[@CR-xr7xp]

So they pay for others shortcomings?

[@GKP999]

@@CR-xr7xp Wealthy people get a lot of tax breaks! Why should they get such subsidies off the back of poor people?

[@polygonalmasonary]

7:35 This women makes a significant point, the government should be helping the food industry reduce prices not handing out money that ultimately makes the rich richer. 😮😮😮

[@elizaann1888]

Not sure the food industries are interested in reducing prices. I suspect they would be delighted to receive funding from the government though, but of course, the funding ultimately would come from the British tax payer.

[@markgayle5453]

No the government should be staying out of most things they just make things worse. No hand outs to anyone. When you hand something out you have to steal it off somebody else. Do you think that is fare?

[@T5Zplayer]

Hand outs? Billions handed out to the public as we speak.

[@finnishinsider1569]

*woman

[@SevenEllen]

@@T5Zplayer Those aren't 'hand outs'. Hand outs are for the spoiled and privaleged. This is SUPPORT for those who would starve or freeze without it.

[@chezzachezza7325]

Bloody disgraceful shame on the government

[@Leo-gt1bx]

This problem is occuring in all Western countries

[@Gisborne1990]

@@Leo-gt1bx She's obviously a labour woke liberal. Logic does not apply to them, All they know is #Hateeverytory

[@grSpyridon]

@@Leo-gt1bx no it doesn’t. The rising rents are a worldwide phenomenon. Meanwhile the UK left the EU to halt immigration and in 2022 immigration was in an all-time high with people from outside the EU mainly. England voted out massively. Let them eat Brexit.

[@maelictyrsune]

Brexit

[@maelictyrsune]

@@Leo-gt1bx not in Central Europe.

[@jrobertsen4505]

The times I have visited the UK (I am from Norway) - the thought has struck me: The standard of housing is quite low. I am thinking particularly about insulation and building materials. Homes that have good insulation need less heating. Am I wrong, maybe?

[@Chahlie]

I agree, having stayed in way too many drafty and moldy smelling UK homes. They really do need to tear the works down and build new energy efficient ones. Most are of zero architectural merit. You can insulate so well, with good ventilation, that only a small air source heat pump is needed. It really does need to be done.

[@asanaa444]

One reason why I question why so many demand to own property in the UK. Everyone seems to be conditioned buying is the best when it’s more a liability . The new build homes are also mostly terribly made . Thin walls , cladding issues , flimsy structures and fittings in general . Yet they’re so expensive ! With no accountability held to the real estate developers . Once again … making the rich richer .

[@charlesbridgford254]

You're not wrong. 90% of the UK housing stock is trash. The problem is caused by lack of recognition that houses depreciate. Instead, a 50 year old rubbish house is priced nearly the same as a new insulated house. Also, undeveloped land that has been zoned for housing doesn't attract any tax, so developers 'land bank' which pushes land value up so high that there's no money left to spend on the house itself. I think a lot of UK housing is going to become worthless due to its bad material condition and poor insulation. They have become beyond economic repair. Basically reduced to slum clearance.

[@solomonkane6442]

​@@Chahlie you should see my flat My stepfather just passed away from cancer It's a 2 bedroom flat and I only heat up 1 room and the front room is full of mould It's literally everywhere 😩 and causing me health problems And my utility bills are horrendous 😫 especially gas and electricity

[@jamesrobert4106]

You are NOT wrong. I am a plumber and the standard of building in brand new houses is unbelievably bad.

[@milobar100]

In Poland, we have the same issue. Prices have gone through the roof. I feel so sad for the elderly and those on low incomes, single-parent households and those who are disadvantaged. The government is doing F all.

[@Denis383479256]

I'm from russia and i like poland. u are welcom to russia any time

[@ccenty]

Only in Poland people struggled for country's and they get used to it, in England it's something new from them.

[@ythelldoineedahandle]

​@@ccenty I try to emphatise, but I find it difficult when all the people shown in this report are still doing way better than my relatives ever did in my ex-commie country. If I look at their houses and their furniture and how the elderly lady is barely wearing anything and switches up the heater I get frustrated. When I am at home, I am wearing 4 layers of clothing on my upper body plus a thick scarf, two socks, and one thermo pants and one sweatpants and I am wrapped in a blanket. Since I have to sit a lot in front of my almost 10 yrs old laptop doing assignments for uni, it warms up and warms my fingers and this is how I stay warm. I only had to turn on the heating 3 times this winter for an hour or so. Why does the elderly lady not wear more layers in her home? Why does she not bunk up with her children? Why do so many lights have to be on for only one person in her home? Certainly not all, but some of these people just lived beyond their means for far too long and relied on the state for decades and now the party is over and it is a bitter pill to swallow. I still consider myself lucky, as I can study, albeit from loans that have to be paid back with interest, which is fair, I knew that when I applied. What I did not know is that I will acquire so much debt, due to corona and that I obtain study delay due to sexual harassment scandals and uni's negligence.

[@thisguy73]

In England they hate the Poles because they come and do the jobs the English wont do for such wages. Sad

[@thisguy73]

@@Denis383479256 Den I am sure so many Poles want to go to Russia so Putin can turn then into cannon fodder. Great idea

[@supplementalhorsey4510]

Now's a good time to start thinking about planting a garden for this year. Got mine up to producing around 40% of the food we eat, and been filling up the freezer and shelves in the fall with preserved stuff.

[@elbertmoreno2159]

Can also give the extra to the community, with triple benefit, helps other families feed themselves, helps relieve inflation by reducing the pressure on the supermarket, and also helps families save money towards other expenses.

[@julianaylor4351]

Try growing stuff on your kitchen counter like herbs. You can also freeze some fresh fresh stuff, including bargain bin stuff.

[@deejay7648]

How many cattle, sheep and chickens do you have?

[@supplementalhorsey4510]

@@deejay7648 0 cattle, but I have a flock of chickens and a few ducks. They were more like pets, but with current egg prices are now helping save a bit of coin.

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

good for you, I do the same, the lawns gone this year to make a potato bed and the main veg garden will be heavy croppers like French beans, courgettes and beetroot. I'm also going to try selling surplus veg cheaply for some seed money for next year. I've also made a couple of frames with scrap timber and covered them with clear plastic, they're great for growing cucumbers in. There's an apple tree in the next village that was covered with huge apples this year. I drove past and watched them fall on the ground until I couldn't stand it anymore, and went to see the owner. I took my ladders down and picked all the remaining apples and split them with the owner, they kept me in puddings till Christmas, no-one else went in to ask for some. I picked mountains of blackberries and froze them, plus making jelly, collected chestnuts from the local park and plums from a field hedge near me, over 50lbs of damsons. I never see anyone picking wild fruit anymore, but they'll go and pay £2.50 for an apple pie in the supermarket that would cost 50p to make. People really need to get proactive like you're doing.

[@aa-fw2pw]

Simple. They're not coping. While companies like Shell and BP etc rake in the cash by the truckload.

[@guff9567]

Marxist trash

[@hihosilveraway59]

Brexit dividend, amongst other reasons

[@Bungle-UK]

Plenty of people are coping without expecting taxpayers to fund them

[@barneymagee3285]

Lenski isn't..

[@metalicminer6231]

It's BlackRock and vanguard. They own nearly everything.

[@lisamaree7370]

Feel sorry for everyone.It’s the same over here in New Zealand.Food costs go up weekly.Power price hikes before winter as well.And there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel.Very sad indeed.

[@robertjones2053]

Ironically new zealands problems are related to the fact many people have left, mainly brits, because of jacinda controlling covid policies. We had the opposite. More people.

[@lisamaree7370]

@@robertjones2053 actually we just had a cyclone.And that has made things worse!

[@robertjones2053]

@@lisamaree7370 yeah my mate lives in new zeakand and the weather you had is like we have every year. We had the beast from the east. Etc Your cyclone has a minimal effect. The main issue is the 10s 1000s of brits that were filling your skilled labour shortages and running business who sold up and left in the last 3 years. It's the same in Australia but larger numbers we had over 100k return home.

[@robertjones2053]

@@lisamaree7370 you do know your goverment is paying people to do seminars in the uk to attract Brits back to New Zealand. They are running these events all over the uk at the moment. Offering attractive visa conditions and for some jobs cash incentives. 😂

[@BlueJohnXD]

@@robertjones2053 the cyclone didn't have minimal effect. the main affected areas are where a lot of our food crops grow and farming areas. it's caused mass price hikes of food nationwide, as well as shortages in a lot of products, especially when factoring in the bad flooding we had a couple of weeks before the cyclone. there's thousands of people that have lost their homes and belongings, now rendered homeless (many during the floods as well). this is now adding immense pressure to our already dire housing and rental crisis. some towns were completely cut off: only way in or out was by air, no communication, no power. some communities affected by the cyclone are still facing those challenges, and it's gonna be months before the most affected areas are cleaned up.

[@julianaylor4351]

So many deprived areas have expensive shops, and no discount stores or independent businesses, so cruel.

[@littlepeky]

You do realize the inflation also affects businesses right?

[@simonb2109]

not cruel, people just don't have a good work ethic, people aren't good with money and just expect the state to bail them out all the time.

[@niewaznie3764]

that's because of feminism unironically

[@CosmicVoid420]

Most of the Iceland, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Lidl branded stuff is the same price and hasn't gone up. So they probably are buying all the expensive branded stuff

[@edc1569]

Why is that? The supermarkets, the LIDLs etc are just a bit further away. 2.5kg of potatoes for £1.50, 1kg of carrots 50p, 1kg of pasts for 80p, chopped tomatoes 30p, etc, etc. I understand the problem with energy at the moment, but food I've never got my head around - supermarkets in this country provide staples at very good prices.

[@mariasolomon2076]

I live in London, and it’s hard, I am hoping to soon move out to up north, in quiet and cheap area, surrounded by nature.

[@amirmxd]

I’m from the North East, feel free to reach out if you need any advice!

[@OneBiteoftheCherry]

I live up in Hull. Pretty cheap up here Maria!

[@ams1897]

Not so good if you don’t have the job to go with it though!

[@mariasolomon2076]

@@amirmxd I am hoping to go to either Newcastle or Leeds! I heard good things about Newcastle

[@mariasolomon2076]

@@ams1897 I have support work background, it won’t be hard for me to find work up north

[@user-SubvurzIV]

There's always money for wars and for Rupert Soames or Goldman Sachs but when it comes to you just existing or being paid a decent wage...sorry nothing left.

[@davefish8107]

But we can afford £7m a day for our boat friends . The country is a absolute joke

[@angelinasouren]

I think that even Goldman Sachs has been forced to cut a lot of jobs recently if that makes you feel better.

[@T5Zplayer]

That is down to your life choices, nobody elses

[@BeverlyTalley]

The #1 priority for everyone right now should be investing in non-government alternative income sources. specifically in light of the present global economic crisis. Nowadays, investments in stocks, oil, and virtual currencies are still appealing.

[@dulcedeleche3406]

I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate or bitcoin and stocks.

[@bjoe631]

I keep wondering how people earn money in financial markets, i tried trading bitcoin on my own made a huge loss and now I'm scared of investing more.

[@BeverlyTalley]

@@bjoe631 That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like *Sarah Alma Martinez* my coach, you may have come across her on interviews relating to bitcoin and stocks. She trades, manage trading account and offer mentorship program for clients who wish to become professional investors.

[@bjoe631]

@@BeverlyTalley You allow people to trade for you? that's interesting, I would love to learn, hope it’s safe?

[@susanhaynes679]

Wow I can't believe you guys are discussing about Sarah Alma Martinez, I once met her at a conference in California 2019, just before the pandemic. I can testify that she’s very good in trading..Highly recommended

[@mrutledge50]

it's going to get worst. The cost of living will go up again and again.

[@edc1569]

Kind of inevitable though, the rest of the world is getting richer, in many ways thats a good thing, billions being lifted out of poverty.

[@omyhaby1912]

@@edc1569 billions?

[@rockpadstudios]

The lack of sun must be depressing

[@ler3968]

ok we see many reports like this everywhere and we see reports of corporations reporting record profits, and CEOs getting greater bonuses and salaries, politicians doing little to help -- so what's wrong with this picture?

[@brandonlovesmonkeys]

We are a failed state 💔

[@maximyles]

We don’t fail until we give up trying. 50 years ago the isle of dogs was a wasteland. Today it is a finically hub. Don’t be pessimistic, things will get better - we just need to direct them in that position.

[@SevenEllen]

@@maximyles He doesn't mean the people failed, he means the governments failed us. But to say they failed implies that they tried in the first place. We weren't failed, we were betrated. All they did was line their own pockets and their rich friends'.

[@SevenEllen]

@@Joeyknows924 The government? The politicians? The billionaires?

[@josephhughes2429]

@@maximyles financial hub for who? It benefits that tiny isle where the rich work and live, it doesnt benefit the people of the UK. Only london

[@maximyles]

@@josephhughes2429 it benefits everyone who is hard working enough to get there.

[@thisguy73]

Thatcher and Reagan are laughing in their graves. Their vision has come to fruition!!!!!

[@ddub9696]

I was just thinking--thank you Maggie Thatcher! You really put your country on the road to success! All that wealth really trickled down.

[@s.williams3214]

This stuff is heartbreaking, the Tories have decimated this country in the last decade and it is a foul shame. We have so much to fix...

[@T5Zplayer]

Maybe they should stop handing out billions to the public then

[@winstoningram99]

I like em. I'll be voting tory next time. To each their own

[@winstoningram99]

@Kent cyclist Your? Well, YOU'RE clearly a genius. Thick moron.

[@winstoningram99]

@Kent cyclist You're the Tory. Illiterate spaz. An adult that doesn't know what your means.

[@ddub9696]

@@winstoningram99 Guess you think things are good then. Brexit was certainly a huge success! You guys really got everything you wanted.

[@knight20102]

There are 5 bus routes being cut in Dundee at the end of March, so Im doing my bit offering lifts to people to help them get out and about.

[@Tom_Samad]

That's very honourable of you. May God bless you. 🙏🏼

[@empatheticliberalabomina-vu4qp]

Britain has no native peoples and is just a dumping ground for the rest of the world.

[@nepaliman5716]

Good person you are sir

[@angelinasouren]

That's wonderful! Thank you!

[@paulmclaughlan3204]

Well done!!!

[@oscarlambert830]

Cost of living, especially rent is far outpacing wages which are not even remotely keeping up. Most times it amazes me greatly how I moved from an average lifestyle to earning over $63k per month, Utter shock is the word. I have understood a lot in the past few years that there are lots of opportunities in the financial market. The only thing is to know where to invest.

[@paulrencher8274]

I agree with you and I believe that Professionals are currently dominating the market since they have access to both the necessary strategy for making money in this industry and exclusive insider market information.

[@Florencecoxx]

I keep wondering how people earn money in financial markets, i tried trading bitcoin on my own made a huge loss and now I'm scared of investing more..

[@oscarlambert830]

@@Florencecoxx That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like *Sarah Alma Martinez* my consultant. I found her on a CNBC interview where she was featured and reached out to her afterwards. She has since provide entry and exit points on the securities I focus on. I basically follow her trade pattern and haven’t regretted doing so.

[@Florencecoxx]

You allow people to trade for you? that's interesting, How can I be part of this project I earnestly hope to build a strong financial future I'm interested to take part, I would love to learn, hope it’s safe..?

[@sheilajensen]

Wow I can't believe you guys are discussing about Sarah Alma Martinez, I once met her at a conference in California 2019, I can testify that she’s very good in trading..Highly recommended.

[@barnowl5774]

Questions from Australia - Why do you put up with a class system that keeps people 'in their place' in positions of advantage and disadvantage? Why do you have a House of Lords whose members are not voted in and it is due to their title only that they are in parliament making the laws of the land and conditions favourable to them? Why do poorer people vote for the Tory party with which they have nothing in common? Why do you have a monarchy that has huge costs supported by tax payers money? You need to develop a more fair society for the greater good of the many.

[@deansimpson7694]

We had a bloke as leader of the Labour party who wanted to address and correct everything that your post highlights. That man is now heavily demonised and hated among many in the UK, and no less from our mainstream media from their exaggerations, lies and smears. Our choice at the next UK election is the Tory party or the Red Tory party (masquerading as the Labour party). Ain't nothing gonna change in good ol Blighty ☹.

[@barnowl5774]

@@deansimpson7694 I'm so glad my parents emigrated from the UK to Australia seventy years ago.

[@ddub9696]

Wait, the House of Lords has actual governing power over UK citizens? And they are bluebloods--in the house by virtue of their bloodline? You have to be kidding.

[@barnowl5774]

@@ddub9696 Yes, yes and no.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

It used to be that working class people voted for Labour, but unfortunately, Labor dropped support for the working class in favour of third world immigrants. Working class British people are now turning to the Tories to try and stem the flow, but they aren't all that much better than Labour. People vote Labour and then wonder why there not enough resources to go around, why their taxes are so high, why houses are so expensive or they can't find a place to rent, why the NHS is overburdened. It's all due to Labour policies that started with Tony Blair.

[@daviniarobbins9298]

17% food inflation? It is more like 50 to 100% or more depending on what you buy. Margarine and butter has increased 100% over the last 12 months. Cereal has doubled in price. I like the Morrisons granola, it is now £2.49 per kg bag, used to be £2.

[@lolikbolik4818]

50% watch Neil McCoy-Ward

[@davidrosaline455]

17% is the European average, don't tell that too the brexit haters though, they can't understand the link between energy prices, the war and the agriculture supply chain across the continent. Or that because we are an island that has ports it's costs more to get food here than other places in Europe. Just doesn't compute.

[@trildi]

Cereal is not food and is extremely expensive. You can buy at least half a chicken for the £3.75 they sell Kellogg's for.

[@bobbylee4121]

Yeah its actually sicking. Cutting out fruits and tons of stuff off my shopping list trying to keep the cuts down and even then its unafforable.

[@duncansmith7562]

this is what happens when you vote in a government that prints money and sanctions Russia

[@alexandriawest]

I've got a note of some prices (from a thing I didn't get round to doing) from September last year, and for example the 500g of pearl barley in Tesco is up from 70p to £1.15, the latest increase was just last week so it's still going up. Most things have gone up by a huge chunk like that.

[@pacmania1982]

I find that the easiest place to look is chocolate (yes I know it's a luxury item). A share size bag of Cadbury's used to be £1. It then went up to £1.25 and now £1.50. That's a massive increase in the price of one item. Marrowfat peas is another. I remember them being 45p not too long ago. They're now 70p per can. If you buy four cans, you're £1 down on your shop. I've also noticed I used to get a bag of shopping for £20 and now it's closer to £30. It's shocking how fast prices have gone up in such a short amount of time.

[@alexandriawest]

@@pacmania1982 Oh yes, chocolate was getting out of hand! Couldn't tell you now, a mild unpleasantness developed into a full-blown allergy and now I'm happy with my 42p Aldi fizzy laces instead 🤣 My last Tesco shop was just shocking, so I'm sticking with Aldi until they price me out too.

[@pacmania1982]

@@cliffsofmoher4220 I'll have you know that I work full time (for local government) and I have never claimed a penny of benefits. I didn't want to leave the EU anyway.

[@eimearmcmanus372]

@@alexandriawest what will you do when Aldi price you out?

[@Denis383479256]

in russia we have same price for pearl barley

[@marybernstein6498]

Praying for the UK people. We are going through horrific times here in the USA as well.

[@mahaliadoesitbest2294]

​@@Joeyknows924 you can do 2 things at the same time

[@marybernstein6498]

@@mahaliadoesitbest2294 Amen precisesly the power and privilege of prayer to the Lord.

[@mahaliadoesitbest2294]

@@Joeyknows924 you can pray for whatever you want. Just saying God can multitask, so 2 or 2 million things can be done at the same time.

[@maelictyrsune]

If they didn't leave the EU, this wouldn't be happening. The decline started with Brexit.

[@josephinakeam6197]

​@@Joeyknows924 It's their way of reminding people to be grateful because Ukraine is having a worse time.

[@deedeepolishtontv7858]

Children under 2 should be with their mother. Not strangers.

[@JK-jm6kd]

Govt needs to do more

[@joriankell1983]

It's that very thinking that got things to this point

[@stephenloudon5833]

God bless you Gary....you are doing a sterling service to your community!

[@michaelvr8674]

At least you guys still have a roof over your head. In Australia the housing shortage is so bad, and the rents are so high, we’re evicting 79 year olds from their homes of 30 years, just to make a quick buck! Families are living in cars and tents because they can’t afford the rent. Oh, and yes, cost of living has shot up here too. While the wages have been stagnant for over a decade… and going on strike to demand higher wages is nigh impossible, because you won’t get permission to strike… I wonder how bad things must get…

[@ttii9]

Just go camping in the outbacks and hunt kangaroos.

[@QueenNoTeetha151]

Really? I always thought Australia to be so great. Sorry its got like that for you guys too.

[@Jaygazzilli]

You have the heat over there though lol

[@barnowl5774]

As an Aussie I cannot agree with you. It's a different world here. Our housing problem is partly due to the lack of material and planning and the fact that Australians can own multiple houses and have negative gearing. Also most of the younger generation expect to own a big first house with all the mod cons in the city. There are houses that are vacant where the owners ( probably Chinese) are waiting for big house price hikes so they can sell and make a profit.

[@mazza_razzza]

@@ttii9 fool

[@jaimz33]

Get the street to pool their funds and buy wholesale if enough people do it and the supermarkets see their bottom line fading away they'll soon lower prices.

[@shonacourt9750]

I never thought I’d see this but I work two jobs, over 60 hours a week. My heating is on for 1 hour a day and I occasionally have breakfast and maybe one hot meal every other day. I can’t do this anymore. Stress and exhaustion are now impacting on my health 😥😥

[@JD-wn3cc]

With the fact hardly any employer has the 'luxury' of being able to get away with paying minimum wage now, you must be earning a little over 600 quid a week now with your hours, before tax obviously. I know costs are high in general but just how high are your outgoings if you're struggling on that? And if you have a partner with any income in addition to that as well then you should be making enough to feel some level of comfort for your labours.

[@shonacourt9750]

Earning over £600 a week.....🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JD-wn3cc]

@Shona Court ??? National minimum is £9.50 per hour so at 60 hours a week you're grossing nearly £600. And more if your hourly rate is higher than the minimum. If there's a second person generating income as well in the household then even better.

[@shonacourt9750]

After deductions, my income is £452 per week . My mortgage is now £800 per month from £550 before Christmas

[@JD-wn3cc]

@Shona Court that's not a bad income. Appreciate you work hard for it, but more than livable and if there were to be 2 of you on a similar level then that's more than comfortable

[@Missy-mn6cc]

People struggling that are on minimum wage we don't get no help at all

[@dcg590]

Who’s fault is it you make minimum wage?

[@Missy-mn6cc]

@@dcg590 at least us on minimum wage work for a living and don't sponge off the system eh. You sound like a snob

[@robertjones2053]

@@dcg590 Tony blair for importing loads of cheap eu labour. When I left school in 2012 the jobs that my mum got at 16 you now needed a degree for. So basically they were taking polish men with degrees from some university we never heard off to do an minimum wage job. How can an 18 year old brit compete with that on salary and on perceived qualifications especially when it was 9k by then for a degree per year... on top of that all the houses got bought up by the factory owners and what they were doing was get the rent straight out the wages and if you were British and wanted to live with your parents you didnt get a job as they were paying below min wage. Living in a house owned by the factory was the part of the job

[@psychedelicpegasus7587]

​@@dcg590 You're right. Minimum wage should be abolished and replaced with a National Living Wage (keeping up with inflation) become the standard. Companies paying minimum wage do it because the government made a choice to put it in place. They can also make the choice to change it.

[@voldemort4289]

You can get help in these circumstances sometimes, a lot of working people get UC top up while on minimum wage or on 0 hour contracts, aswell as those having to do part time

[@user-ww5ru8pm9z]

I remember growing up in the same condition, after the bills were paid there was hardly anything left for food. Food banks didn’t exist. I remember going hungry, no heating or new clothes even having holes in the bottom of my shoes. That was 60 years ago! Sad that we seem to be going back to those conditions.

[@susanpatton3782]

I feel for my brothers in the UK.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

This is happening in the US as well. I'm a senior, age 72 (my husband is age 78) and our heat has gone up $35.00 a month, my water and sewer has gone up another $40.00 a month, our electricity as well. . Our vehicle gas has risen as well. My food bill has gone up more than $50.00+ a month and is now over $1,000 due to our health conditions and our required special diets we must eat.. My ONE break is that I can get a free lunch at our senior center. This is a small salad, a small bag of potato chips and a fresh apple. I bring my own carrots, broccoli and a boiled eggs in order to fill up, get more vegetables and eat enough protein. This does help and I am grateful for this lunch and my friends there. I go to the center twice weekly for the conversation and to get out of the house .This is my twice weekly mental health boost.

[@blitzmom2674]

don't vote for Biden. He's the one that closed the pipeline and shut down US oil production. That raised the prices of everything.

[@wendybrierley5412]

In Uk, you get help for the oaps. I am one and doing fine, it's money management. Single Pensioners with low income of £201 a week or less should claim pension credit to gain more financial help of around 3k plus. I think this is assessed on income and savings. This year we are getting another £500 for the winter fuel and cost of living assistance. Some older ones will get £600. People on pension credit get even more. It will be interesting to see the outgoings of people not happy?? Again money management. Should spend this money wisely. I don.t know Americans get that??

[@jaynekittycat9252]

Shouldn't be like this in this day and age.

[@fashionwire3364]

"I don't think that there's help, is there?" That broke my heart.

[@markheitz7963]

That's got to be the stupidest stat 96 % say there shopping has gone up like who's the 4% that haven't either they don't shop or their dead

[@robertjones2053]

Shop offers and buy different food. Our food bill has not gone up as I just buy what the super 6 at aldi is each week and cook with that. I shop around for things like coffee and switched to cheaper alternatives like wonky veg instead of pre cut etc. Haven't bought strawberries like that lady did since last summer and only buy in season veg. The uk had a bumper apple harvest this year so I made stewed apples from free ones been given out and froze them. Make pies. Flapjacks and cakes with it now all year. 🙃

[@threegoodeyes7400]

96% of people report experiencing increased food prices…. And the other 4% don’t do their own shopping? Lol

[@asanaa444]

They’re probably self sufficient and stick to growing their own food

[@polygonalmasonary]

2:16 The other 4% are the rich and powerful who don’t do their own shopping and don’t care one jot about those less well off than themselves 😮

[@theresawinder7403]

Even us middle income earners are making cuts, for us who are comfortable. one less take out, planning car trips to use less fuel, taking more lunches to work. It all adds up and some small tweaks will certainly help.

[@public.public]

Any mention of stopping billionaires offshoring their socal responsibility?

[@frankoys2010]

No, because majority are poorly educated. They are unable to even define much less understand what ‘offshoring’ is.

[@iandennis7836]

How very dare you insist that the mega rich pay their share, you subversive pinko commie scum. Sheesh I dunno (sarcasm mode off).

[@user-im9zp4yp9x]

How about you start taking responsibilty for your own failures?

[@iandennis7836]

@@user-im9zp4yp9x and you were addressing whom about what? Do tell.....

[@joriankell1983]

That would be antisemitic

[@bumblebee2956]

Just visited uk Last week. The overall conditions of the houses were terrible with crazy energy price. Everything is expensive. Though I loved go there again and again but can’t imagine living there. Can’t believe once the mighty British fall so hard😢

[@thepatriot4076]

The mighty British peasants fell in 1776 when the USA and France told them to go back to plague island

[@kordan-xo9cd]

I hope you read this message and take it into consideration I’m not telling you this to scare you I’m telling you this because I love you I don’t need to know you to love you the rapture is about to take place they will be 7 years where the gates of hell will be opened on this earth it will literally be hell on earth you must repent turn away from your sins accept Jesus as your lord and saviour believe he has been raised on the 3rd day call on his name and you will be saved it’s not about religion it’s about a relationship he saved my life and he can save yours ❤️

[@lisainger6751]

@@kordan-xo9cd Religious hogwash

[@gregkareem9824]

​@@lisainger6751he or she is telling the truth

[@beaulieuc8910]

weird@@kordan-xo9cd

[@boota1979]

It's horrifying that we are in 2023 and our country has come to this.

[@AVV_Beats]

It's only going to get worse. This is what happens when you kill the manufacturing industry, create an economy dependant on middle men and the influx of foreign money (a lot of it dirty oligarch money).

[@polygonalmasonary]

4:20 £500 million 😮 where has it gone??? My community has not seen any of it 😡 I live in an ex mining community, one of the hardest hit areas of society since the 1980’s and the conservatives here are doing everything they can to thwart our proposed new health and fitness centre. 😮😮😮

[@jamesb6080]

It all goes to our replacements - the economic illegal immigrants

[@KevinWilliams-bb9lh]

The fast food outlets are still full Where is the poverty?

[@bettygraham818]

Exactly !! Why is obesity so high in the UK or why are there so many men's barbers, nail salons, hairdressers, vape shops and expensive convenience stores always busy ? I personally think the high housing costs for too few properties in an overcrowded island is the biggest problem.Also the trend away from practical subjects in schools so that many people have no cooking or similar skills when they go out into the real world.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

The poverty is the fact people are eating McJunk because it’s cheap. Preparing meals all week long gets tedious and if a poorer person wants to eat out, where is it cheapest? Fast Food restaurants.

[@cassandraadams5603]

Sadly I remember penny pinching as a full time worker with children. Buying a fixer up home is the only thing that saved me financially. Seems impossible these days 😔

[@dd-du9bz]

Waiting to see some action like in France well done French people 🎉🎉🎉

[@emmsue1053]

You have a poor memory.

[@Ranstone]

Thank you for including in-film-citations for your sources. It did not go unnoticed.

[@madeleine7411]

My heart goes out to the people of the UK. I admire their resilience but wish their lives were less of a struggle. My best thoughts and hopes for these good people. I particularly feel for the single moms with children. They must worry constantly.

[@sos757]

Feel guilty not bad for us. We was babies when you cowards seen all this coming. But you called us racists fascist for wanting our nations safe. Good luck explaining that to the boss, of cause after spending your final years getting battered in a care home by the very people you helped bring here 😂😂😂

[@garnhamr]

Child benefit, housing benefit, priority in the benefit system.

[@kordan-xo9cd]

I hope you read this message and take it into consideration I’m not telling you this to scare you I’m telling you this because I love you I don’t need to know you to love you the rapture is about to take place they will be 7 years where the gates of hell will be opened on this earth it will literally be hell on earth you must repent turn away from your sins accept Jesus as your lord and saviour believe he has been raised on the 3rd day call on his name and you will be saved it’s not about religion it’s about a relationship he saved my life and he can save yours ❤️

[@leehollebon6041]

Madeleine what country do you live in

[@Angora573]

Yet the oil companies are making record profits! Oil prices impact everything else, something needs to be done about the profits made by these companies. Surely it is profiteering? If so it is illegal. My son is a manager in a large chain supermarket and their overall profits are up over 10% on previous years. Obviously they are raising prices through greed not to just pay for increased costs of transport and actual food items. It's disgusting, none of these huge companies should be increasing profits during these times.

[@inbb510]

The oil companies are already paying 35% windfall tax on top of their 20% cooperation tax.

[@user-pd6bd7ir4z]

There is unfortunately no help out there. Its sad but thats how it is.

[@bobsmithy9024]

Noone really cares. Life is inherently a selfish lonely experience.

[@angelinasouren]

Yeah, it's odd, isn't it. Me too, I was once told "go get help" as if it is something you can get from a supermarket shelf at a reasonable price.

[@angelinasouren]

@@bobsmithy9024 Sorry you feel that way, but I increasingly feel that way too, I think. Some people do care, though. One commenter above just wrote that because several buses are being cut where he or she lives, he or she is now going around offering lots of people rides. In all honesty, Bob, the way you feel is probably pretty English. Life is not really worth living here, I've felt for nearly 2 decades now, and a lot of people here seem to feel that way. Next, of course, you're gonna tell me you're from Utah or New South Wales? 🙂🤔🤗 But, in any case, I've become so utterly disillusioned in England that I will work with stalking victims (and with wildlife). Other than that, I want nothing further to do with humans any longer. If I get the time to heal from England, that may change, but I don't think that I have enough years left in me...

[@winstoningram99]

Oh well. People can sort out their own problems

[@tshandy1]

@@winstoningram99 - No one is going to look out for you as well as you. Certainly not a stranger or a government bureaucrat. By the time some people learn that, it is too late for them

[@moniquecm1144]

❤So sad to that everyone struggling in the world 🌎 to be able to have a better life not easy to meet your needs it’s time of surviving ❤️love to all ❤️

[@joannelyn]

My heart goes out to each and every person here, particularly those with children, or dependents. This crisis has hit the entire world. People in third world countries, who don't have resources anyway, are dying. In Australia, there is hope. Local economists describe high interest rates on everything, due to a) the ways we spent during the Covid Crisis and b) food shortages, rate rises, etc. The market will crash out, and our government will put caps on rate rises, and neither of these things will ease matters for those who suffer. But, it is predicted that, by year's end, things will even out as we adjust. Here in Australia, Supermarkets are capping prices on essentials, so you won't be buying your bread and milk at fluctuating prices. Co-Ops, Food Banks and Social Supermarkets as shown here are doing a wonderful service. We also have soup kitchens, and local charities will support those in dire need. After travelling, I'd say that the UK provides excellent social support for those who need help. There are far greater services available in the UK than people realise, I think. My prayers go to those in developing nations, who simply don't have the resources. I pray for ideas to gather resources for those where countries simply don't have arable land or money to spend

[@soinda87]

Third world countries are majorly affected by drought but they don’t depend on a lot of things like lighting or housing like the West. Your house and land is yours forever. No taxes on them unless it’s commercial. I’m talking specifically about my country.

[@MrManny075]

Do you think the golf countries are developed or developing? Do you think the Golf countries are 3 world countries? Do you think those countries are part of the so-called west? Australia is not in the west, is it? there is no inflation in Dubai, no food banks, no homelessness, nothing like this place you call 1 world kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5nZp6ulfsyBhsk

[@joannelyn]

@@soinda87 these are really good points, actually. I apologise for using terms like "developed" and "developing". I ought to educate myself on the reality of life in countries surrounding the Gulf. As for my own story, Australian society is not a generalisation either. I have a few personal difficulties, and have not succeeded in building a successful life for myself, not do I have a family of my own. I do not own property, and struggle like many to use my resources wisely each week. However, I do have a kind heart, and will look at these matters as they stand around the world

[@joannelyn]

@@MrManny075 valid points. I admit my biases, and will look closer at this issue.

[@hemlock5115]

I’m on a strict budget. I eat rice, beans, veggies, and noodles nearly ever day. It’s cheap and healthy 😊

[@dingdong-jg1ys]

This is what I’ve been doing, I have went the winter without heat, and now the stove has stopped working too. No washing machine either. This winter is the first time I’ve experienced hungry, im too ashamed to tell anyone.

[@npet6842]

We left England in the late eighties . Expensive housing , gas prices that left us unable to use the central heating . Nothing left after bills to pay for entertainment , holidays or clothes . This just cycles around and now it's here again . Queensland was like a dream , but it's tough to start again here too .

[@beaulieuc8910]

but you will be away from family

[@npet6842]

@@beaulieuc8910 I don't have any .

[@katjaxxx7353]

we eat a lot of potatoes and rice w/ veggies and only once a week chicken - I can get hungry but when you have kids they don't understand

[@SRWJ]

I'm an expat but my family is from the area and I was born around the corner. I hate seeing this happen to my home, albeit from a distance 😔🌹❤ If anyone can get through this, the NW can. We are tough stock 🇬🇧

[@mattaddison1910]

Where are you living now?

[@SRWJ]

@@mattaddison1910 🇦🇺

[@mattaddison1910]

@@SRWJ Is au better than UK?

[@SRWJ]

@@mattaddison1910 that's a really tough one to answer, for various reasons so this reply might be a bit long winded. I felt an affinity for Australia from being small, I genuinely love the country and view it as home. That will never take away from the fact my ancestral homeland and family are on the opposite side of the planet, in a different hemisphere, with plane tickets that have increasingly risen in price. On the note of flights, unless you are some freak of nature that loves flying long haul in economy then the trip is brutal and is zero fun, it's a long way to get home. Also, sure we are a lot closer to Asia and New Zealand but there is no "let's hop on a quick flight to spain", Australia is massive and the closest you can get from any of the main cities along the east coast is NZ. That's still about 4/5 hours If I recall correctly. On a lifestyle level, no questions asked. Socially? Depends, certain parts of the country are becoming a lot more open to multiculturalism but ultimately there is still a bit of nepotism and clicky behaviour in Australia. Far from British culture in how people interact and the general ethos of the population. Corrupt Western government? We have an excessive amount. Constitution and rights - we have basically nothing and are still prisoners of the old monarchy/commonwealth. Cost of living - crazy. Housing availability - n/a unless well connected and/or decently wealthy. Crime - better than the UK and the USA but 'eshays' have been a thing here in the youth for a decent while now and they're essentially an Australian chav. Crime rates are increasing compared to years gone by, knife crime and theft included. I could keep comparing 😅 no white Christmas and a dismal amount of Christmas vibes, stinking hot beach Christmas instead 😎 (weather and lifestyle is a huge bonus though, as mentioned before). My mum was looking at rental costs In the UK a few days ago and suggested going back because it's basically impossible to find rentals here now. I have to remind her over and over that we still seem to have it slightly better, but only just. Hope there is at least a little information in that ramble on the comparison between the two, that you can find useful 🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@mattaddison1910]

@@SRWJ Wow that was very detailed, thanks for that. I think every country in the world has its problems, there are no perfect utopias out there. That being said, UK has really, really fallen to the dogs. Seeing other European countries, they've all got the UK beat on living conditions.

[@thomasanders1314]

I have two jobs, living with the family and it's still not enough to pay the bills. Polish Prime Minister has said ones (unofficially), that every member of Polish working class will work for a bowl of rise - just like in China. That's why I know exactly how people in the UK feel.

[@funkydanieluk]

Cost of food doubled, cost of energy doubled. Those in power do not care.

[@HisDisgracethe5thEarlofClownin]

Why should we? Life is fine for us!

[@gregkareem9824]

​@@HisDisgracethe5thEarlofClownin🤡

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

It's interesting as when Jamie Oliver tried to get people to cook healthy and cheap at home so many of them gave up. Here in New Zealand many schools now have vegetable gardens and the kids are learning to grow and cook. I'm not downing anyone it's just processed food has taken over and it's not the cheapest, tummy filling option.

[@happycook6737]

Agree with you!

[@sparklingwater1430]

Why does Jamie Olivier cover everything in oil, random I know but he does it all the time

[@A.Walker.]

I've often wondered why things, the very same things found in the rest of the world, seem to cost so much more in the UK/Europe, considering the value of the pound/euro. Why do they have to pay for a license to watch their TV? Why is theirs 230V versus 120V (in the USA and elsewhere)? Not to mention the high cost of gas and electricity....

[@PinayFuzzions]

I lived in the UK for years before moving back to America. I used to think that this country is the richest of all in the world. We too have the same problem here in the USA.

[@thebarefootwitch5564]

I’m disabled and on benefits. Have turned my heating off and I’m eating one meal a day. It’s negatively affecting my health, but what can I do?

[@gwendolyn0515]

I'm from brazil and I know it's pretty far from the UK, but the situation is the same. My parents have pretty good jobs and we always had good food on the table, and now we have to buy less and less at the supermarket.

[@MK-cs6hu]

Tbh I’m fed up… they think they are smart cutting the nhs let alone our money.. they want us all dead 😔 just think about it all COVID,no money ppl on the streets n children the children going without. But they can put money towards new buildings.😢😅🥴

[@claudiaweber4564]

I'm living in the UK, in the NE, but I think a lot of ppl are exaggerating! Yes, the prices raised extremely, but UK is still much cheaper than other European countries. The majority of the Brits, eat 2-3x / week in a takeaway. I can confirm this, when I watch my neighbours. Sorry, but when money is going tight, I cook at home, don't go in a pub, don't drink alcohol. Food as potatoes , rice, minced beef is still affordable,...... so nobody must be hungry, but not everyone can have fish&chip twice /week. The inflation beats everybody and everbody has to cancel habits,....... sorry, but when I read that ppl can't afford food, but got tattoos all over their body, I can just question theitr way how to deal with their income.

[@karna8658]

Some one said it. I never understand today's generation. Pub and drinks are those actually necessary.

[@mutoidliz2320]

We eat nowhere near that amount of takeaways 😂😂😂😂

[@katherinehanson6561]

Because you see it, it must be true 🥱 prices have increased in the past year, you can get a tattoo years before? There is evidence to show that people are in fuel poverty and are going hungry.

[@claudiaweber4564]

@@katherinehanson6561 There is plenty of cheap food, but the majority of ppl, which complain, are just lazy. Peel/chop/prepare food,.... they are used to get a takeaway delivery and this isn't affordable anymore. Nobody must be hungry,...but you must change attitudes!!!! .

[@katherinehanson6561]

@@claudiaweber4564 most people who complain have seen food costs go up 17%! That's a lot. We may have some of the cheapest food in Europe but we have the highest housing costs and transport costs. It's all relative.

[@ligbzd837]

This is called a downturn. This kind of economic situation will happen again and again. This is also why families need to pay off their homes and pass it down to their future generations. People also need to share housing to cut their biggest costs...and save! Being on your own only works when the economy is good or your health allows you to work. As we know, sh## happens and when you are on your own when sh## happens, then you will be in deep trouble.

[@tshandy1]

True. During times of plenty, people need to set aside financial reserves. Times of plenty do not last. They are always followed by times of lack.

[@karenohanlon4183]

Its not a down turn its mismanagement by a lousy government who forked out Billions for PPE etc.that had to be binned as it didn't work. They are like fingers in all the pies and gig economy advocates they have loads of dosh themselves they hate Europe. Brexit is a total failure. Apart from that ,the UK is a joke in the EU. Down turn means every one is worse off and that is not the case in UK. Just look what kind of unethical behaviour witnessed in the last twelve years. The rich are having the time of their lives.

[@neillholley5061]

A 'downturn' is a transfer of wealth from the poor, to the rich. A downturn is when companies layoff their employees and make those who weren't fired, take on the work of those who were fired.. over working the employees and making the rich owners more money. A downturn transfers the savings of those who were fired, to the rich, since they're forced to spend their nest egg to make ends meet. A downturn transfers the car they can't afford, to the rich at a discounted price. A downturn transfers the home the poor can no longer afford, to the rich at a discounted price. A downturn (in the US at least) increases the likelihood of being forced to live on the streets, which in turn increases the chances of being criminalized for being impoverished, and increases the chances of ending up doing slave labor in prison... making the rich more money. A downturn is harmful and violence against the working class. Capitalism's boom and bust cycle is criminal and must be abolished.

[@Chahlie]

People refuse to share accommodation, just like many refuse to give up their car. And the idea of taking a live in job for a couple years to save money is met with cries of "but I want independence". Those of us who went hungry many years ago have a different perspective.

[@karenohanlon4183]

@@neillholley5061 You are hundred percent correct. Down turn my backside it goes to show some of the people will be fooled all of the time. Its have plenty wanting more. As Mick Lynch says the rich get rich on the backs of the workers.

[@matthewpayne42]

This past winter I moved to the spare room upstairs and had my breakfast, lunch and dinner in that room. I heated the room with a fan heater as the government money of £67 was paid into my electricity account. I don't watch much TV and live on my own. I also kept warm using candles and to light the room. I only had my main heating on for 10 hours from the start of October till the end of March.

[@Surfinbadger]

Deprived areas. The granny and single mum both have lovely homes. The granny’s biggest worry was “should I have 2 or 3 meals” and the kitchen in the single mum’s house is gorgeous. Not sure they real examples of struggling. Go to the north east, Middlesbrough is a good example. Think these people are privileged, that have had to give up the little extras .

[@JosephSchmidtfan]

Worrying about whether you will be able to have two or three means a day is called food insecurity. It’s a sign of poverty. Not understanding that this is an issue is called “lack of empathy”. Unlike poverty, it’s not curable.

[@Surfinbadger]

@@JosephSchmidtfan or maybe I’m unable to have “empathy” with the for mentioned lady, because maybe just maybe I’m in a position where I’m lucky to have 2-3 meals a week. I’m well aware of poverty, having to face it each and everyday. But thank you for trying to make me look small.

[@scann5183]

​​​Just because you're in a worse off position than her doesn't mean she also isn't being affected by the rising cost of living, it's nice to have at least a little bit of empathy for other people

[@deewwwd8743]

You think people in Middlesborough are suffering? Go to Africa. There are kids that are starving there and dying from diseases. There is no struggle in Middlesborough. There is only privileged people in the UK.

[@thisinenglish]

Is being poor a competition?

[@paddymallory4080]

I wonder how many politicians are going hungry?

[@elizabethmcleod246]

None of them.

[@dave8323]

she puts on an electric heater rather than a jumper? im not saying that there isnt a cost of living crisis, but there is also a common sense crisis that should be addressed

[@sumikamal8898]

A woolly hat would help also. Litres of hot water to rinse a teacup. There is no medicine for stupidity.

[@hongkonghottie]

​@@d.s.151 or won't the 5 lids pitch in to support her?

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

@@d.s.151 How do you know she has been living her entire life? PS: having larger family is actually better when you get older. More people may be able to help you around, when the age comes.

[@philipmilner9638]

There has always been poverty in Britain. My great uncle used to go to a food bank in the 1970's, when Labour were in charge, it's not a sudden thing that's just 'mushroomed from no where', in the past few years....

[@WRN383]

I'm Scottish, but I'm really very concerned for people on UC and low wages. I live comfortably but my family too are now feeling the pinch. We are squeezed so how the hell are people with less money coping , I just don't know. Even shops that catered for a budget market are out pricing the poorer economic classes. People must be going to bed cold and hungry it is actually frightening. It makes me sad and it needs to be addressed.

[@dustybeans98]

Cost of living crisis but the young mum has money to do her lips

[@pm2886]

Evidently not by cutting back on food.

[@jr5389]

I’m nhs Keyworker (dyslexic) I was Evicted on lockdown day @12.00 24.03.2020 by north Ayrshire Council to a Lock up Garage …. As I was dealing with an Emergency at nhs ….my mental health has gone….NO HELP 24.03.2023 💀

[@hjo457]

I wouldnt fight for my own country, with the way its going.

[@doogleticker5183]

It's not just inflation...there is a lot of price gouging going on because marketers are well aware that this is a golden opportunity to overcharge and nobody will stop them. Competition favours the Lidls and Aldis...until they jump on the oligarchy bandwagon.

[@lorrainebarry7184]

its happening in australia too working people that are renting are being asked to leave the rented property there is a real shortage of housing here the rent has doubled our food is expensive too

[@plumpydayz]

This winter has been really bad, I can't turn on my heating or the electric heater. We don't have double glazing and the cracks in the wood around the windows that don't close properly let's the cold air in. I now have to eat one meal a day, the future doesn't look good.

[@aran7teen]

Budgeting is the issue for a lot of people. Can afford nail polish and hair dye but not food … that’s a budgeting issue

[@lw3646]

Don't tell that to Ken Loach and the Corbyn lovers....

[@DamafiakingzDMK]

true, I had my salary 18k last year and now bumped up to 42k and guess what? still can't save shit, because of my bad spending habits, I will be honest I don't need at least half of the stuff I buy and spend on, but oh well it's an addiction to spend, I think this is the problem here.

[@Galaxyofbrian]

So tell me why a charity would choose to give someone homeless a hair cut and a teeth polish if feeding them is the only issue? Because they need confidence to do anything and if they don't feel comfortable in their own skin they won't be able to do anything. Besides what a horrible comment. You can be struggling and still look good Aran. I suppose you would prefer it if people who where struggling looked like they was? Your type of mentality is what is holding this whole country back and I pray your of an age where it don't matter anyway to the young folk of today because you'll be long gone should they need the support of voters to bring about changes that benefit everybody.

[@julianaylor4351]

You can store hair dye and nail polish unlike some foods, and you don't have to pay for gas or electricity to use those. 🙄

[@sarahmc8309]

How dumb is that ! I used be a nail tech and can buy 10 bottle of nail polish that’s €40 and last me 2/3 years doing me own nails at home ! I go for free hair cuts / colours as hair model now twice a year so don’t have pay mad money for hair and look presentable for my work in social care .. I can even go as free model for my nails too if look for it but I don’t ! I tint my own eyebrows with a tint that costa €6 lasts me 12months. Don’t buy make up just mascara and lucky my skin is clear!

[@loulopez554]

Sounds like the San Francisco bayarea here in the U.S.

[@AnthonyD-yy2in]

I live in Seattle and I get by alright. I would like a better paying job though.

[@B-A-L]

How come California is always facing bankrupcy yet is home to the most billionaires in the world?

[@nadanalia3000]

This breaks my heart

[@Jordan-pf9ws]

In the US shop lifting is up 30% and grocery stores are locking up lots of items.

[@FloydKGhost]

This is bs I know alot more deprived worse off areas in uk . 2 to 3 meals a day is a blessing

[@person.X.]

🤣 WTF! Where do they find freaks like you?

[@veronicaboyce6794]

When I pay my essential bills and just buy food only. I am not spending anymore money of my low paid salary on clothing, footwear, bedding and toiletries there’s enough in the wardrobe. Least important direct debits cancelled. The spare funds will be put in my money box.

[@happycook6737]

Exactly. We must stop all nonessential spending.

[@user-ni2tm4id1n]

It would be interesting to see a news report comparing the current cost of living crisis to other countries. The amount of people struggling in the UK seems to be staggering, it would be interesting to see if similar affects are felt across comparative countries.

[@jozsefnehorvath1896]

Körülnézni az egész világon ez van.Nagyon szét nyílt az a bizonyos olló a fizetések közt. Mostmár dolgozói szegénység van😢

[@puddleduck279]

We're not coping!! We're all here just trying to literally survive the cold, the lack of food and the strain of dealing with it all every day, there's no end to it at all, if it wasn't so bad, it'd be a frigging sick joke!!!

[@tmj-vx6dg]

3:00 I see many kids with Moncler & Canada goose jackets, there's a blatant cost of living issue but there's always money management issues, the difficult part is that some of the high end brands are what kids HAVE to wear to meet the right social status around their peers, children fear being bullied by more fortunate children who have the designer brands their parents struggle to afford

[@DRT813]

Yeah, it seems ridiculous to me (never wore designer brands), but I realise that a lot of these people never properly learned how to manage their money - so they spent it all on stuff like the jackets in better times with no provisions for bad times like now. I don't like to be that person, but Moncler & Canada goose jackets also aren't exactly cruelty free, so a washable non-goose jacket would not only be cheaper, but also better in other regards.

[@AVV_Beats]

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of them were fake. You can still buy fake designer Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton at markets around the UK.

[@tmj-vx6dg]

@@AVV_Beats Designer gear being genuine is a big part of why people make the purchase, it is part of the culture, it is to flaunt and nobody would risk damaging their social status with fakes, especially their children's.

[@mikewingert5521]

The parents are the fault. Bring your children up correctly with the right values and then these “designer” brands will not have any traction.