‘We’re struggling’: Welsh families on frontline of cost of living crisis

Charities have given evidence to MPs at a special hearing in parliament stating that some people on the lowest incomes are already rationing what they spend on heating and fuel.
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In South Wales, people are already struggling with rising prices.
On an estate in Penrhys in the Rhondda, many in the community are on universal credit and paying for energy bills using prepayment meters.
Some of the challenges highlighted in Westminster are playing out on a daily basis in this area of South Wales.
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[@mrpeterson1481]

Unfortunately some people will still think hard work actually works. It doesn't its the biggest myth of all time. Just remember if you work hard enough you will earn yourself a early death whilst the people at the top will replace you before your body is cold.

[@fordprefect4843]

Well said. You could pick parcels at amazon ten times faster than anyone else but still not get paid a penny more.

[@mrpeterson1481]

@@fordprefect4843 the only reason anyone has a job working for anyone else is to make money for the people above them. You can only laugh at the world we live in. I don't tend to take it that seriously and just enjoy the show that is life. Its hilarious if you pay attention to certain things.

[@Rozie32]

I m agree

[@dominicclarke7875]

Truth

[@fordprefect4843]

@@mrpeterson1481 A big part of realising reality is ego. Truth is success is based on luck not hard work. However getting people to acknowledge this is difficult as we are conditioned to belive that we need to achieve things through hard work rather than luck.

[@louisebourne5779]

I am sickened by what i’m seeing it is dreadful that the world’s 6 richest country is doing to these families. How do they sleep at night when there are families and the elderly suffering like this its beyond a joke. We all need to come together and support each other. Sending my love and prayers to all that are struggling 🙏💙

[@ronniesimpson9141]

Louise Bourne. We are nowhere near the sixth richest country I the world, we are either the sixth or seventh largest economy, but of course the economy includes debt, and it's the two trillion debt that makes our economy large.

[@HighAcuity]

Simple, we’re run by Boris and his crew who get into power by registering all uncast elderly votes for the Conservative party.

[@jduffell4132]

Chinese Labour is cheaper. Communities don't need hand outs. They need a hand up. Job security, potential for careers. Also, Westminster will never allow wales to thrive. Its a reminder of the true history of this little island.

[@middleageddad]

The government is not helping the poorest because most poor people don't vote Tory.

[@tuvaaq]

@@middleageddadthat was true till Brexit came along and racist nationalist populism conned the poor. Most boomers vote Tory which dictates policy, this lecture is interesting listening: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKa7q6mgd76KbqM

[@Goodnewsglobal]

The UK government needs to get their act together.. 50% of our citizens living below the poverty line... unforgivable..

[@rollosinternet1853]

Is this really a surprise to you? They are Tories, FFS! What did you expect them to do, seriously?

[@lovesyah4618]

It won't get any better. Worldwide there's economic decline. The world as we know it is going out. Seek Yeshuah 🙏🏼

[@ytcensorhack1876]

Yes, but t uk is getting t worst of it. I have relatives in europe & ireland & ya bills have gone up, there has been t odd shortage of this & thar, but it pales in comparison 2 what we r seeing in t uk

[@KampingKatie]

The pedo Monarchy still lives high on the hog.

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

::milk and groceries sky rocket....beer sales still stable::

[@prosimulate]

I grew up in a poor area, but this hard to watch reminds me so much of how it was for me. I’m ok now, but this is heartbreaking.

[@lea-rw5cb]

I'm in full time work and I struggle hyking fuel prices from company's who make millions in profit every year but won't foot the bill when oil prices sky rocket

[@prettypuffprincess]

Same

[@jeffreysetapak]

You called that poor and destitute?? Wait till you see the GENUINE poverty in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, many parts of Africa and South America and Southeast Asia you European British and EU strawberry spoilt brats.

[@SubjectiveFunny]

The guy is 23, not working, living on benefits, and fat as a house. Tell me at what point I am supposed to feel sorry for him. I feel sorry for myself because my taxes are going to pay for that lazy pigs lifestyle. That goes for 50% of this entire country.

[@turuus5215]

We have to increase our earnings.

[@bosssquad5647]

I don’t get the fact mps can decide they can have a massive pay rise but it’s okay to keep the minimum wage £under £10

[@anonomous8719]

Because raising the minimum wage just raises the prices of goods. We need tax relief on good through VAT and other taxes.

[@andrewfayers9147]

Yes, then you get Andrew Bailey telling us to settle for a tiny or non existent pay rise. The gall of them.

[@vladimirputin4822]

@@anonomous8719 Bullshit. Removing people from welfare subsidies puts the wage cost correctly on the employer removing it from the treasury burden on taxpayers. If the employer can't be competitive while paying a non poverty wage they should probably not be in business. Capitalism, you either accept it or it's not capitalism it's oligarchy. The poor pay and the rich take, is that what you want? 'cause that's what'll happen 🤣

[@addmin5487]

@@vladimirputin4822 exactly

[@bensalter7997]

Sorry for what I did.

[@dm2216]

It so saddens me when I hear poor people saying things like the politicians need to do this or that. The reality of the situation is that the politicians could give a toss about people's plights. In fact, they want people in poverty and suffering. Governments have endless pits of money when they need it, poverty could be eradicated overnight. But poverty is one mechanism of government control. When we are in poverty we are dependent on benefits and government handouts, we are not independent. We are less free with no disposable income, travel is restricted, options are restricted, and health is compromised. When we are dependent we look to the government and conform in order to have benefits. There is little opportunity or aspiration when people are trapped at home and in debt.

[@nbandpinportugal]

Agreed. In such circumstances people are just consumers and taxpayers ( everybody pays tax directly or indirectly ). The answer for such communities is small businesses and initiatives which help people to get themselves out of poverty. And, dare I say it, get Britain self sufficient in energy including coal if necessary.

[@victorialadybug1]

@@monkey1o8 It's both.

[@karenbelanger8621]

so revolt. there are more of you than them...withhold taxes. dont patronize businesses. pull together and destroy the assholes. It can be done.

[@deenanthekemoni5567]

Just described America in painfully accurate detail. 👍

[@user-hr8uv6pk4y]

Everyone has the ability of economic mobility. Learn a technical skill in demand become useful for a company. Everyone just wants a handout. If you rely on the government for financial support don't be surprised when your freedoms dissappear

[@jc5202]

The immediate response from some people is that these people need to get a job and stop being lazy etc etc. I used to work full time and money was good and then I became very unwell and ended up being left disabled and unable to work and I had been working since I was 15 years old. Everyone's circumstances can change at any time and for any reason. People that judge others who are in council estates or are unable to work are so narrow minded and using stereotypes. Everyone is struggling at the moment, even working people who have mortgages. Covid has impacted the economy and now we are all paying the price. Everyone so damn quick to judge others and should really get their facts straight or perhaps look in a mirror before judging someone else. I feel sorry for anyone suffering financially right now.

[@train4905]

Really well said

[@jc5202]

@@train4905 thank you x

[@tracylane8098]

similar situation to you, but i also raise my 2 grandsons, its a nightmare , keep your chin up

[@ninaavery8809]

I'm working and thankfully not in the red and private renting. I'm going month by month. If it gets any higher I will have to stop using things. That I would need to have or work hard for. Then what is the point of working? What's the point if people working are struggling? Every benefit and income needs to change to meet the costs. It won't. I know it won't. Get a job sounds so stupid.

[@emmahowells8334]

Absolutely agree, you're spot on. But of course the government won't help as much as they need to, little bits here and there thinking one-off payments help with the heating costs, what about next year & following years, what do we do then?.

[@womanwithaplan8950]

I am in the US and it’s truly sad that this is happening all around the world! Senior citizens, the disabled, and those who are on a fixed income are getting it far worse. This is truly sad!!!!

[@valleys1332]

I don't live far away from there most of the South Wales valleys are like this

[@womanwithaplan8950]

@@valleys1332 Yes, this truly breaks my heart!

[@valleys1332]

@@womanwithaplan8950 it's the same all over the world I think the rich get rich the poor stays poor

[@womanwithaplan8950]

@@valleys1332 So true!

[@robertsmith1865]

The same song is being sung all around the world. So sad

[@Jennyeq]

Yet In Wales they found millions to pay footballers to play in empty stadiums just a few weeks ago. Madness.

[@vladimirputin4822]

Was that government money? At least have a link to the story before spouting nonsense. Aren't you upset about government waste/fraud? Tory trolls are shite at trolling 🤣

[@Jennyeq]

@@vladimirputin4822 Yes - The Welsh Government set up a multi-million pound fund to compensate professional sports clubs when they banned spectators over christmas. I'm not a tory - I'm a green voter.

[@vladimirputin4822]

@@Jennyeq So the proof of that is where?

[@polaris7122]

@@Jennyeq that just proves you are a total nutter!!!!!

[@dominicclarke7875]

@@vladimirputin4822 😂😂

[@daveperryman291]

My earnest prayers from across the pond. Leaders should live like this for a year.

[@joetrp-3553]

For a year? For the rest of their lives

[@henrietta9206]

Im with Joe.

[@joetrp-3553]

@@henrietta9206 I love 30 minutes from here, Wales has gone down hill rapidly

[@henrietta9206]

@@joetrp-3553 my partner is half Welsh, nicest person, salt of the earth grounded person you guys dont say much but are super. honestly, heating is a basic, is horrible whats happening. MY BEST to you !!! fist✊✊✊

[@slydoll7877]

In order to qualify to be in politics, they should be made to live like this for two years. Let them learn some humanity.

[@Booksandstrawberries]

I visited Wales back in 2012, it's a magical, fairy tale-like land. People were so homely and hospitable! My heart goes out to my Welsh friends from Greece 🌹💓🇬🇷

[@kdp8133]

My home. Glad you enjoyed it so much there.

[@emmahowells8334]

Thx Wales is beautiful & people, which is why I'm so proud of my country & thx for your kind words.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤️

[@larryfroot]

Thank you for your kindcwords about my country.

[@dazzaboy04]

I have family in North Wales. And the people there are just so hospitable. And lovely. Such a great country

[@jesss6225]

Thank you. I hope you return to visit again soon!

[@combatduckie]

but WHY do people pop out THREE children (at 23!!!) if you re already struggling financially???! The children are very small, so they were already struggling as a couple and not financially secure when deciding to go off birth control....One child can happen "by accident" but THREE tells me they were deliberately planned! This ZERO self-accountability always baffles me....

[@nervousheadache]

The couple with kids weren’t 23, the young man was. Such an ignorant comment.

[@mikeharvey9811]

My friend had twins, is she supposed to kill one? I got pregnant on the pill! Also my husband died, I married a man with kids! Barb

[@cosmicreef5858]

They are NOT planned just becauise there is more There is a thing called IRRESPONSIBILITY

[@claudermiller]

That's a problem poor people in the US face, living in the old uninsulated, inefficient buildings. Their energy bills are twice as high as newer homes which are twice as big.

[@ianhayden2547]

I wonder how long mr. Johnson would last living in the situation that these brave people are in? The unfairness of this is sickening .

[@kenmay1572]

No more than a few hours

[@margaretjanewatkins540]

Don’t blame Boris for everything we have our own talking shop in Cardiff voted in 20odd years back welsh labour promised to change things - have they ??? Only yesterday Drakeford promised care worker £9-98 living wage the superstores pay ,more than that stacking shelves.Philw

[@PsilentMusicUK]

@@margaretjanewatkins540 The Tory's don't give money to Labour areas unless they plan to take with the other hand. It might make Labour look good if they have the resources to execute what they want to.

[@vikingsmb]

@@PsilentMusicUK FYI the tories do send money to wales and its up to the welsh gov't how its spent, its not the tories fault that dickford cant prioritize where the money goes, all labour do is waste it. and im from wales ta

[@ev.c6]

Any government would be in the same situation given the pandemic and Brexit. The nation was lied to about Brexit. This is coming at a huge cost to families like this. It is what it is. Good luck leaving the EU. Thing will only get worse.

[@kirishima638]

I grew up in poverty in the 90s. It was only as an adult did I realise how poor we were. Debt collectors were always knocking on the door. Clothes were all hand-me-downs. Furniture was rubbish-picked. No electricity. Cold all the time. It’s very easy to become trapped in a cycle of debt. My mum would take out credit cards to pay off other cards. Poverty in this country isn’t new. What is new is the total disregard of a government that puts ideology above reality. There can be no levelling up if there no money to pay for it. Meanwhile they steal billions in public money for dodgy contracts to their mates and then increase taxes by record amounts to refill the coffers. We need to get rid if these Tory criminals once and for all.

[@EnglishSaxons]

Well thats one of the reasons they are acting so recklessly the all are supposed too be going for a one world government

[@lasttango7522]

My dad also grew up in abject poverty in the 60s. He lived in social housing that was horrendous. There were families in the estate who couldn't afford to feed their kids and lived on the goodwill of small food retailers. This was under a socialist government. A PM who advocated the working class. But didn't give a toss. Both Tory and Labour are the same. Shame on them.

[@vernetify]

The system is rigged to keep people poor and in deep debt; that is how they control you !

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

What we need to get rid of are mindless breeders.

[@sarai5467]

People will keep voting them in because they want a nice devide in society

[@monicas2269]

While I agree there is a lot of hardship today, my 2 children were born in 1981 and 1984 and we struggled, maybe because I decided to give up work and look after them. I bought clothes in sales one year that would fit them in the following years. I made loads of their clothes when they were young enough to be able to get away it and not be made fun of. I would never borrow £500 to cover Christmas. One particular year I had to tell our families that we could only afford to buy for our children and not other family members. I allowed my children to pick something to the value of £30 each from a mail order catalogue and even today I will not go into debt for Christmas even though we are much better off now, but only because I have had to be frugal most of my married life. When we got married in 1977 we bought a new bed and a TV. We borrowed 2 fireside chairs off my parents until we could save up for a new suite. That suite lasted us for years, and years, then I had it recovered rather than buy a new one. I ended up giving it my Daughter until she could afford to buy one and I was ashamed at how terrible it looked, but at least it was something to sit on. All the carpets had been left by the previous owner and were not the best. We started off with a car which we had to let go when we couldn't afford the repair bills, tax and insurance. I did my shopping once a fortnight and was lucky to get a taxi to take me home for £2. Sometimes my neighbour would take me. Living so high up on the Penrhys estate must be extra cold. My energy payments have gone up by £80 a month, I'm hoping we have a lovely long summer to offset the winter.

[@MB-wc7dr]

Hello from Canada: It is all politics and greed. Poverty is an unnatural state, it is cooked up by politicians and big business.

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

Amen to that

[@lisa0795]

You are so right.

[@remlya]

No one forced them to have three children.

[@alawesy]

@@remlya you’ll be grateful for people who have more kids now when you retire.

[@danieljones5421]

@@alawesy very very true, let's just hope he can wipe his own backside in the nursing home

[@fuckbankers]

Energy company Shell recorded their best quarterly profit in eight years. £4.7 billion worth of profit was made by the company in the final quarter of 2021 alone. For the whole year, they made an incredible £14.2 billion in profit, compared to £3.57 billion the year before.

[@guff9567]

As long as the Taffs have to suffer for it, I DONT CARE

[@darthlazurus4382]

@@guff9567 Then you are a sociopath.

[@guff9567]

@@darthlazurus4382 Wow . Does your big word even exist in a dictionary?

[@Dylanesque]

@@guff9567 You seem to be a very interesting individual. . Correction.... Malignant not interesting. Mind how you go.

[@guff9567]

@@Dylanesque I got a malignant tumor, if that's what you mean. Oh no, I got it now: very virulent and infectious . LOL

[@badgerarmy966]

cost of living in the uk is pretty awful now, a choice between heating and food. unacceptable really

[@stuartcotterill9475]

Lol no it's not. I moved to Ireland 2 years ago, try living there if you think the cost of living is expensive in the UK. Glad I packed up and left that dump.

[@copyer9088]

It’s partly due to the war in Ukraine putting heating and gas up as well as products produced in the Ukraine not all the conservatives fault.

[@badgerarmy966]

@@copyer9088 no it is not lol

[@copyer9088]

@@badgerarmy966 I’m yea it is lol don’t you watch the news the war is having massive impacts across the world

[@copyer9088]

@@stuartcotterill9475 the war in Ukraine isn’t helping

[@tassiegirl1991]

Would be beneficial if the community made a community garden and grow their own vegetables. Looking at the aerial view they have enough land around their homes.

[@Aliballer]

sad that they have to but i was thinking the same thing. I would start growing at least onions and potatoes, maybe lettuce.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

It's really cold they said, so maybe in the summer. Maybe they could build a small green house out of old windows. /shrug probably need a permit for all of it.

[@colleenbrown92]

All that costs money to start they clearly don't have extra for seeds, and things required for gardening

[@megja1812]

Exactly community goes a long way. I live in nz we have a community pantry that gets a huge dump of fresh food daily from the food Forrest and bakery in town and the food just goes. That’s helps people. Electricity well you can get up solar here which helps.

[@tassiegirl1991]

@@colleenbrown92 a few packets of seeds cost virtually nothing, and there are council incentives for this type of thing

[@raquetdude]

Everyone should be able to have the ability to get clothes for their kids. Everyone should be able to buy little joys of life too.

[@IBTU]

Even if they don’t work?

[@timcomley3241]

Not sure about second one

[@saiyedakhtar3931]

@@IBTU people are getting weak. They can go out into the forest, chop wood, hunt deer and fish. Do it all the time in Kentucky. Nothing like a good wood fire and deer stew.

[@IBTU]

@@saiyedakhtar3931 not allowed to hunt in Britain

[@scottowensbyable]

@@saiyedakhtar3931I think possession of a broadhead arrow is illegal there. Im so glad my European ancestors left the continent 400 years ago.

[@ldn876]

That's the thing, people have totally forgotten that people were in debt long before lockdown. 😓

[@emm_arr]

No. Before Brexit 1 million aduyts were unable to save just £100.

[@BobBob-cn1yy]

@@emm_arr pc woke sjw crt

[@janetrogers4738]

People in debt struggling before are struggling more due to inflation printing more money during the pandemic has helped make our money more worth less.

[@Justafan333]

The first couple with the 3 children will be claiming a minimum of £600 a week in benefits so how can they claim to be struggling? Why are they buying furniture on HP when they could be getting it off gumtree, market place etc and have great quality things at an affordable price? Yesterday I bought a second hand hotpoint condenser tumble dryer that cost just £50. Some people are just silly with money no matter how much or how little they have.

[@IceMan-il7dx]

Agree on the HP comment but energy is a joke. For all of us

[@destinationwaleswithskylar9575]

And you can get them from free cycle in good condition

[@thehangmancometh1813]

one of the reason's i didn't get married and have children I knew I wouldn't afford all that nonsense.

[@jaysverdict8108]

Exactly ^ it’s baffling to see people being unresponsibable.

[@cosmicreef5858]

ALL THAT NEVER a nonsense. You not being ready for it does NOT make the worth any different

[@ricardothorburn4089]

I was slightly stunned when the guy said that all the furniture and the TV was on hire purchase. For 20 years I only had second hand furniture and no TV because it was too expensive to have these things new. I'm not unsympathetic, but I do wonder how he budgets for such things.

[@johnrhodes3350]

That's like paying over twice but nearer to three times the price of a new one. Easy come , easy go

[@KevinPughCM]

Unfortunately, I have to agree. Secondhand is a common, and much better, choice!

[@polaris7122]

@Gazr Gazr stupid and pray go together!!!!!

[@dominicclarke7875]

@@KevinPughCM nothing wrong with second hand

[@stuartashbourne-martin9629]

You nasty condescending little s***if you buy electrical items from a charity shop what happens if they blow app and a lot of charity shops don't sell electrical items because they are dangerous and yet people like you comment about things you probably don't know anything about I do because I've been there

[@ThePlayerOfGames]

MPs get their energy bills subsidised. MPs voted to increase the price cap. Then they create a dodgy loan on us. Fossil energy firms increased their payouts to shareholders this year, that can only happen if profits increased.

[@Marvin-dg8vj]

And supplies of fossil fuels are reduced forcing the price up while closing coal fired power stations across the world .It is a win win situation for Big Oil.

[@ianholden7]

They can shove the £200 up there arses itz another con

[@Grintock]

@@Marvin-dg8vj it's a bigger win for renewables supplying electricity, 0 marginal costs for production and getting the same money per MWh as gas powered turbines. Windfall profits which should in turn be invested in new production capacity. Nobody seems to critique them earning (more!) than the fossil fuel companies we still rely on.

[@jcf2322]

He’s 23 with three kids, and he doesn’t have a steady job!? Why are they living in a single family home, why don’t they try to live in a group house. Also, why are they living in such a sparse place, and not somewhere more densely populated where jobs and opportunities are more available?

[@kram9850]

this hits home, it really is a kick in the teeth, many of us survived 2008 recession to work many years just to get out of the massive hole, we have basically gone back to how we were in 2008 and whats worse is the bills have gone past what we can afford, we have also turned of all heating in the house, only hot water is turned on when needing shower for the kids me and the misses use a bucket and water to save on water and energy, not to mention my wife cuts my hair now just to keep above having some money for emergencies, at last week was a big shock when both our accounts where overdrawn and i had to for the 1st time as friends if they could lend me some money. and i feel worthless as its as though the last 12 years have just gone up in smoke within 2 years. i came to this country to make a better living for me and my family but its just been uncertainity after uncertainity with the goverment and the economy.

[@joelc9439]

any middle class people and rich people were responsible for the 2008 recession.

[@jackdouglas9640]

Everybody is talking about how bad it is but not doing nothing... nothing gonna change without action

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

Work sets you free

[@SuperAnimecity]

@@HumansAreShitFactories tying my tubes set me free

[@robbiethepict2783]

But Boris Johnson claimed that the Uk has the fastest growing economy in the G8

[@Bolachas25]

He’s a liar.

[@timcomley3241]

It does

[@YA-hm5zy]

@@timcomley3241 lie

[@AS-uy3zx]

BJ Grifter and Liar....always has been always will be

[@henrietta9206]

Growth is NOT the measurement - Distribution is. measure Distribution and you'll find a lot of Hilters in the world, NOW, yes, in 2022! gasp.

[@andreacloyd3426]

I live in USA. On social security a fixed income. We r struggling 2. I heard stories after story. Utilities gasoline food. We all need help! Worldwide

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

Who do you think us going to help you?

[@larrygerry985]

Not to point out the obvious, but having 3 kids contributes to the situation. Also, maybe don't use hire purchase for everything.......

[@pault.harrison6174]

I live in Penrhys, there are a lot of people needing support during these last 2 years. Llanfair Church has been helping people with food bank, toy bank (over Christmas) and children clothes.

[@johnwayne5984]

I live in Porth. Tell them to stop breeding and train for a job.

[@atomictraveller]

family from pontypridd, moved to arizona decades ago, for all that i have learned of the cultural disparities travelling the globe, if my word is worth anything, i'd say sharpen a stick and put as many masons on it as possible, start with ol john boy thar.

[@carolmarr6607]

We need to care for one another. Food household goods and heating are essential and people shouldn't have to cut back on these necessary things. Well paid jobs and opportunities for a decent life are what we require. We see the everyday struggles of citizens and yet nothing is really done to change things. Why not?

[@vladimirputin4822]

@@seang2700 You're not going to try and blame the EU for UK welfare rates now are you?

[@t1rjb1]

@@vladimirputin4822 No. Just the 20% green tax on our electric bill which the Government dont seem keen to remove.

[@vladimirputin4822]

@@t1rjb1 You don't have a 20% EU tax, it's UK tax, EU doesn't collect tax.

[@t1rjb1]

@@vladimirputin4822 So the money paid by member states is raised by car boot sales ?? 🤣

[@vladimirputin4822]

@@t1rjb1 It's not an EU tax, it's membership fees. No worries though the UK doesn't have to pay them anymore and can send an extra £350,000,000 per week to the NHS 🤣

[@daveross-lq5nv]

I am a YOUNG FATHER and "I MATTER" ITS TIME TO SAVE OUR NATION REFORM UK The people are now, more than ever becoming aware that REFORM UK is the best choice for our nation. They have constantly been giving us sound advice now for many years in relation to a multitude of issues relating to immigration, migrant crisis, current economic issues and sclerotic mindset of our politicians and was always shut down and silenced. REFORM UK have been the voice of reason for many years and no one listened, well the people are listening now. We can only hope Nigel Richard and REFORM UK continue to be tenacious and we, the hard working people of the UK stand and be counted and we may just see a time, once again, where are children feel safe, our communities are cohesive and our great British values are never again pushed so far from us that our very identity is eroded beyond recognition. VOTE REFORM and show the current Conservative and Labour leaders that, WE the people have a voice and it is our,,,,, voice collectively that is the only voice that matters. Stand and be counted if you matter VOTE REFORM UK.

[@Sweetie8387]

Hard to watch and hearts go out to the people struggling. Although you shouldn’t get yourself into further £500 debt just for Christmas.

[@78nichola]

Thank you for pointing this out. Foolishness.

[@raincloudsradio8900]

I didn't spend even close to that...

[@lellyparker]

Well at least the oil companies are making billions in profits thanks to the fuel crunch.

[@cobraunit9679]

And rightly deserved. Why should they not earn billions? they invest billions. Create millions of jobs.

[@lellyparker]

@@cobraunit9679 Their excessive profits are not being made through hard work or excessive skill. They are capitalizing on the very high price of fuel that is putting families into extreme debt and forcing families to choose between heating and eating. They are capitalizing on the MISERY of circumstance. The excessive profits, therefore, should be immediately redistributed (via a windfall tax) among the people whose misery they have been levied from.

[@cobraunit9679]

@@lellyparker Fuel prices are going to get worse and worse due to the switch to "green energy". The oil and gas sector is freefalling due to workers refusing to get retrained. Me and most people i worked with don't wont in the oil and gas sector anymore. So I don't blame oil companies milking profits before they give up and leave all together.

[@joannekelly5132]

What about when they lose billions noone jumps to help the fuel companies then either. Cyclical industry

[@lellyparker]

@@joannekelly5132 Good business planning means you put away savings in good times (almost always) for the bad times. But we're not talking about that. We are talking about the shareholders taking billions in profits for their private bank accounts. I don't see any of them paying money back into the company when the company makes a loss. Usually they go to the government for a handout of taxpayer's money. Socialism for the rich.

[@leelifeson9150]

I feel sorry for anyone who struggles with debt. However some people don’t think! They have large families with absolutely no way of supporting them and rely on handouts and income support from working families …. If I couldn’t afford fuel I wouldn’t buy a v8.

[@harpsailorharp6716gg]

yep and some just keep breeding ....its totally stupidity of them and dumb x

[@danieljames6044]

That’s an incredibly general rule to apply to a very nuanced situation. Say one of them had kids but got laid off by some completely unforeseen global situation and can no longer afford them? Or maybe they had poor sexual education (you know, the poor standard that’s commonly linked with poor areas) or weren’t taught how to budget properly? Just remember, quite a few people (admittedly mainly the old and infirm, but still people) will die from these price hikes on gas.

[@danieljames6044]

@@harpsailorharp6716gg before calling others stupid you may want to learn to string a coherent sentence together. Other than that, yes, they might be stupid. Does that means they deserve to freeze to death in their own homes or that they have to choose between keeping the house above literal freezing temperature and feeding their children? If you answer yes to that, you’re a psychopath.

[@leelifeson9150]

@@danieljames6044 Hi Daniel thank you for correcting me on my spelling and Punctuation. Please read my initial response. I Genuinely do have sympathy for anyone who’s struggling financially. would you not least agree that having three or more children is a financial burden that we all need to think seriously about before we decide on the size of ones family. Personally I believe we can equip, and give our offspring the best start in life by being sensible adults… I have a question for you! I may be showing my age but I remember being young and my parents wouldn’t buy anything on the never never. They saved and made the purchase through sacrifice. We live in a throwaway society now where it’s let’s get it now We will worry about it later. Do you think families that are financially struggling are in the best position to enlarge the family? Again apologies for my poor grammar…. Ps. I never called anyone stupid!

[@YouYou-sm8tf]

@@harpsailorharp6716gg Europeans countries have already low birthrate that they had to import refugees and pay refugees and immigrants for their kids. So it’s better for Europe to work on helping poor europeans than paying non europeans to live there.

[@shirleyryan7439]

Myself and my family were in this situation, we fell into debt while my son was on chemo and we went from supporting us as a family unit into a split family making money stretch further, we were and still are in debt, its not for everyone but the best thing we did was take up an Iva, what we were struggling to pay a month on one bill now covers the payments on all of them, some of our debts were also written off, yes it affects your credit score and no we can no longer get credit but I see it as a good thing.

[@zenabraithwaite1934]

You did the right thing, even going bankrupt is not a bad thing in exceptional circumstances. I hope your families can get back on their feet soon.

[@shirleyryan7439]

@@zenabraithwaite1934 thankyou

[@susanelliott2287]

Shirley Ryan Love and best wishes to you hon. We found ourselves in a similar position. I hope your son is now better. Sending hugsxx💖💕

[@shirleyryan7439]

@@susanelliott2287 thank you so much.xx

[@clairefitzpatrick7183]

I'm on my 5yr of a debt relief order because I had my DLA stopped for a year. It had changed to pip and they wouldn't assess me properly. I had to go to court for them to give me the money. But now I'm being reassessed again. The government love hassling the poor and disabled.

[@andyjax9215]

I was raised in a council house in a Northumberland pit village, average secondary modern education, worked all my life, never taken benefits and I now live in my 4 bed pool home in Florida. I don't say this to impress, but to impress upon those willing to listen and not to rely on government to fix everything, anything is possible.

[@Minechain.]

Relying on benefits is the problem. My dad used to walking 16 miles round trip to work, because he had nothing. He didn't wait for handouts...

[@jacquelineithell307]

They all did in them days to be unemployed, was a stain , both parents worked , mum maybe cleaners jobs morning and evening , all did where l grew up

[@50_Pence]

In other news Jeffs removing a bridge as his boats so big.

[@reginafisher9919]

People in the United States have buckled down too, we are not getting haircuts we aren't coloring our hair we aren't getting our nails done we are not going to the movies we are not buying Christmas presents or birthday presents we are stopping the consumerism we are becoming frugal and minimalists, we are shopping at the Goodwill second hand stores and yard sales only. We are staying at home. And we are saving every dime we can, for whatever something breaks and we have to have the money. We don't buy things we don't have money for we don't use credit to purchase Christmas presents that's ridiculous.

[@ladydeerheart1]

Reminds me of what I went through as a single mother, zero child support and no help. It's a hard way to have to live but keeps your heads up. Get some cats for the rat problem and remember ... everything changes. Nothing stays the same forever. It will get better. It may get worse before then but it WILL get better.

[@mi3helle707]

They don't even have enough to eat, let alone the cats. But I hear you

[@EwangelicznyKatolik]

stop crying princess - you are probably milking your ex from money (child maintenance ). Single mum still can get a council house , benefits an everything that male can not! Your ex probably needs more help than You !

[@paulc4383]

I'm hoping that things will get worse. Then maybe some poor single mother will be desperate enough to be my partner. Seriously. It's the only way.

[@cakra072]

⁠@@mi3helle707 well, she did mention that the cat should eat rats, and probably share some of the meat with them, problem’s solved 😂

[@mi3helle707]

@@cakra072 crying 😂😂😂

[@mikeharvey9811]

It’s time for us all to join together in solidarity against the system. Barb

[@jacquelineithell307]

That’s the problem , all they do is click their tongues and moan , talk about , some organisations, and marching , most would say sorry busy good night on telly tonight, got to get my nails , done , eyebrows, done , no spare time

[@adamweston4152]

The penrhys estate is high on top of a mountain in the Rhondda valley and should have been demolished decades ago, these people are being housed in very poor condition houses and I have the deepest sympathies for them. I used to deliver meat to Woody's shop on the estate in the early 2000s and it was bad up there then so it must be really bad up there now.

[@dominicclarke7875]

Can't be as bad a Oldham 😂😂

[@cockayne747]

@@dominicclarke7875 I'm from oldham and live 20 mins from penrhys now 😂 oldham is horrendous and I'm glad I left that place

[@dominicclarke7875]

@@cockayne747 I'm from Bristol but I live in Oldham .I'm like peace and quiet but you don't get that in Oldham it full of chaves that sell drugs and carry knifes and the town is racist it's a dump .

[@kuchikopi4631]

That is a very grotty looking estate, I mean social housing aren't known for their appearence, but that one takes the cake. Damp, grotty, mouldy 🥶

[@emmahowells8334]

It's the same all over Wales, I'm from Wales a part called Swansea, even tho it's a city, we struggle just the same, cutting down where we can, in the summer months I turn of my central heating trying to keep bills down even tho I'm disabled & don't turn it back on til November when it's gets bitterly cold here. You have to do what you have to do to cope.

[@kurman4749]

I used to live on the Penrhys estate many years ago, and at that time I was unemployed so I know what many of these poor unfortunate people are currently going through. Luckily for me I moved to Surrey and managed to find work. However, if I were still living on Penrhys I would almost certainly find myself in the same position as the people in the film. There are many good people on Penrhys and they certainly deserve more support from the powers that be in Westminster and Cardiff.

[@Jade-bf5we]

Their are charity's attached to energy providers that can pay off up to 90 per cent of energy arrears. If you have a support worker, health visitor or are with a social housing provider. Please reach out to them as many housing associations now have welfare teams attached to them, as well as the energy company you are with. Water rates are set to rise in April too. Again, water rebates can be claimed either through the water company in your area or through your housing associations. I hope this information helps. We all need to help each other in these difficult times ahead.

[@patruddick1946]

three years ago my water rates went up another £20 ,when I asked Why they said its inflation ,I said B..L S..T .it's not inflation .

[@harpsailorharp6716gg]

You can have no money but still keep a tidy home

[@jaysverdict8108]

What do we expect from benefit feeders.

[@rayclam8079]

Food is cheap if you shop at the right places and gas is a luxury. The only bill I have ever strugged with at my poorest was the rent and that's because the cost of keeping a roof over your head is artificially overpriced. Most people can't manage money well.

[@caracara300]

Gas in the UK is definitely NOT a luxury??

[@rayclam8079]

For a healthy adult I think it is, but for the very young and old it's more of a necessity.

[@nathansavage8692]

@@rayclam8079 gas is not a luxury, its what stops you freezing to death!

[@suzanneelahieedwards5484]

Wake up!!!! It is not life as normal. Everyone worldwide is suffering. We need to adjust our standards of living cause it will get way more difficult.

[@rosegreensummer]

i can't believe it's 2/5 (where i live in wales is touristville, poverty and riches side by side) i'm genuinely shocked

[@WendyW123]

Where are the jobs?? Why are young lads on benefits?? It's just plain wrong when folk can't get jobs and are left watching TV all day. When young couples cannot find employment. Create jobs, invest in communities, give people back their pride.

[@magburner]

Everything is on hire purchase because they cannot afford to buy anything. They cannot afford to buy anything, because everything is on hire purchase. Do they really need a fancy glass table though? I was once a single parent on benefits caring for two disabled daughters (they are 17/18 now). For the first seven years of their lives, I used a table that the Social Worker gave me, it was cheap with green legs, and it only had three chairs with it. The flooring in my dining room, was originally from someone else's house, rather then waste and throw it away, it was given to me. The sofa in my living room was fifteen years old. Up until four years ago, I still had an old CRT television. All appliances were bought from 'New To You.' I could not afford a proper mattress for my bed, so I used an inflatable mattress instead. I grew up in the care system, so had no family help. The first couple will be forever in debt because they have very poor money management. Paying for energy on the meter, is the most expensive way to pay for energy. Purchasing items through hire purchase, is the most expensive way to buy anything. Their story is not unique though, over the years, I have met countless families in exactly the same situation, robbing Peter to pay for Paul, getting one loan, just to pay off another. Getting themselves needlessly into debt purchasing 'aspirational' furniture. I myself could have fallen down that rabbit hole, instead, I choosing a much lower standard of living - no smoking, no drinking, no drugs. Bills, food, roof, and children were the only things that mattered. Do not get me wrong, I am not diminishing anyone's struggle, it is fucking tough when you are at the very bottom, but there are things that you can do to help yourself.

[@kerrynight3271]

I'm impressed by your intelligence and education. BTW, that's why you make good decisions and so many others don't. But people don't get to choose their IQ any more than we get to choose our parents. I wish you the very best.

[@phucknuts.7065]

Stop taking credit and entering into contracts to pay things you cannot afford to pay back. I do get the cost of living thing with inflation, but I do believe people can do more instead of depending only on the government to help.

[@rosered3919]

This is what " you will own nothing, and you will be happy " looks like.

[@crishdavies650]

Under the tories

[@compassion333]

Well the "you will be happy" part is a lie

[@benjamin2149]

And now the big question: Did they vote for it?! Because more often then not, the answer is "yes, twice".

[@childoftheuniverse2644]

Of course they did 🙄

[@Trylobyte]

Yeah they voted for brexit and the blonde serial liar. Not sure they knew what brexit was, but they certainly knew that the blonde serial liar was a serial liar

[@stevewalsh-balshaw1727]

Lot's of folks are struggling we tend to forget about middle earners who can't get any help whatsoever and shoulder the burden of tax and national insurance plus costs of getting to and from work those that earn 25k a year who are barely better off than those on benefits unfortunately politicians and the wealthy ain't bothered

[@itawolf2494]

In in ltaly,l find It amazing that ppl earning 25k a year are stuggling to get bye.

[@stevewalsh-balshaw1727]

@@itawolf2494 In the UK they are really struggling due to massive hikes in tax and cost of living petrol food utilities etc

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

Why should they be bothered?

[@LeahsLover]

I currently live in Wales, living conditions are low for the most part except in big cities. I live on the outskirts in an old steel mining valley and the poverty is comparable to US inner cities. I just don't understand how the UK has fallen this low to neglect it's people. We are struggling out here because there are no jobs that are high paying. And everything costs more than it should.

[@bigpaul4450]

This was a community obviously built around an industry which had now gone. It’s a community removed from a major city. You can’t jump on the motorway to get anywhere with better prospects so in reality what is it’s purpose….? It’s a real difficult quest to answer because you could inject so much money in these communities but the fact is there is no opportunity there.

[@cjwcymru]

Lot of people that live here haven't been to the next valley, never mind Cardiff or Swansea.. but its a ludicrous situation. A community on top of a mountain where a wind farm could be installed and provide nearly free energy, essentially, to the residents. Where is the innovation ?! We need a Elon Musk in Wales to provide solutions and he would find them

[@grahamt5924]

@Gazr Gazr Hopefully they have another 5 kids. We need loads more

[@Claire-77]

I'm from Wales a small town, I eventually left, I miss it a lot but I've done well in Australia. Its really sad to see the poverty but it was poor when I grew up in the 70s 80s and 90s and still is, and it's because they're isn't any local industry or prospects.

[@davespark10]

Finally, a real grounded point of view. They need industry. Farmers. Where is the nearest fresh water source??

[@thesightings4403]

It's so sad watching it. There's many places across country put in similar, dramatic situation. 2022 UK and very little has been done to improve peoples basic needs.

[@stoufer2000]

most of them probably voted for it..

[@peterlangbridge4286]

@@stoufer2000 "probably ". Meaning you don't know.

[@stoufer2000]

@@peterlangbridge4286 I was just being kind. It's been evidenced that the Welsh voted predominantly for brexit/tory. Lol, the turkies that voted for Xmas.. tbh, good, f.. em.. they voted to f.. me over, they hate the 'metropolitain elite/working class, couldn't care less if they all starve to de..h

[@ruairievans]

@@stoufer2000 you can't spell Turkey and make assumptions about people you do not know. I thought Remainers were smarter than that, you need to man up.

[@stoufer2000]

@@ruairievans oh no, the working class are very low IQ so I'm told, not even chosen by god to rule over others so no wonder the spelling is bad..

[@BelfastBoy]

Should have asked these families who they voted for, if they answered Conservative then they’ve no one to blame but themselves, you reap what you sow

[@larissagomes451]

People who are struggling love to have kids. If you start to struggle after you had kids, then there is nothing you can do, but also have no more. But having kids when you know you are struggling is even cruel to the kids.

[@Farzocalypse21]

Welcome to Tory Britain

[@anelectrician]

Exactly ! Excellent Comment !

[@jonimaar__2023]

What do you mean by Tory

[@jonimaar__2023]

@@anelectrician what is Tory

[@k172134]

Gosh what's wrong with this world, it's looks globally around world life everywhere getting more and more expensive, sky high, prices go up, house market increasingly raising everywhere, it's starting getting unaffordable live everywhere. It's time for revolution.

[@eyeswideopen7777]

Excuse: covid and now Ukraine war

[@lovepeace4065]

Amazing how this government can send billions in aid abroad and most recently to the Ukrain but refuses to help its own people. I always believed that charity begins at home, seems I was wrong. I pray for the Welsh people and the rest of us Brits struggling to keep warm and eat, these are basic necessities. 🙏🙏🙏

[@patruddick1946]

they hope that by allowing all these people into the UK that they will work .my answer to that is WORK WHERE ,soon,there won't be any jobs .at all .because businesses cannot afford to keep open , this government needs to stop spending on other people and look after their own people first .

[@bbuzz1687]

Aid is usually a foreign policy tool. It's not altruism.

[@jonnaborosky8836]

My heart and prayers go out to the Welsh who are struggling so fiercely.

[@Britz4Gaza]

I am so sorry, but as a child I had very little, but we made do as best as we could. I am talking about mid 70's. To feel the need to borrow £500 for Christmas and buy stuff on hire purchase is insane. They really need to get their priorities in order!

[@galegrazutis964]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@vladimirputin4822]

When the UK was the "sick man of Europe", yeah I remember it too, it was shite. brexturds/tory supporters have taken the country back there to a point where it's shite now too, thing is back then there was the EU to trade and cross invest with.....now what will little britain do? Sell what's left is my guess. Well done on destroying yourselves.

[@Britz4Gaza]

@@vladimirputin4822 too true!

[@samibaozilover]

Why are you having 3 kids if you can't afford it. People are so selfish 🤦‍♂️

[@emm_arr]

^^"People are so selfish 🤦‍♂" and this one cerainly is.

[@samibaozilover]

@@emm_arr How am I selfish, I'm not the one having 3 kids when the world is overpopulated and the worst thing you can do for the environment is have a child. Have 2 kids that's more than enough.

[@emm_arr]

@@samibaozilover "How am I selfish," Personal choice.

[@lolcatjunior]

"White race is going extinct! Why aren't they having more children?"

[@lianie4606]

Maybe they could afford their 3 kids when they had them? Circumstances do change.

[@bostonblackie9503]

Remember when only the living room was heated. When someone got up at about 9 PM to make tea. Everyone would yell, CLOSE THE DOOR! My mother use to put heating blankets on about 20 minutes before we went to bed.

[@nartarlyiatremaynne1239]

How truly heart rendering. Australia.

[@adambrickley1119]

When i was his age 25 years ago, i lived in an almost identical building in Falmouth with my gf. I had no problem working part time and small student loan to live well. ( No kids mind). Its terrible how hard things have gotten for poor people.

[@theoilandgasresourceportal2132]

There are 8 million more people in the country, fighting for housing, jobs and public services. A situation that suits the rich and the left

[@sambyrne7542]

Still your girlfriend?

[@adambrickley1119]

@@sambyrne7542 haha, no!!!

[@adambrickley1119]

@@theoilandgasresourceportal2132 Why do you think it suits the left. The left had a planned extensive house building programme in their last manifesto. The electorate was pretty well convinced by tory media that the country could not afford this.

[@theoilandgasresourceportal2132]

@@adambrickley1119 the left feed off racial and economic division. Turning the green belt and farmland into housing estates will not solve this problem. I bet you'll be opposing planning applications near where you live

[@Charliesmomiji]

Social housing providers make such a big deal about insulating roofs but they ignore the fact that the windows are thrown in with wide open chasms hidden behind window sills and the window seals are always perished.

[@walruswarlock4800]

Fix it yourself it's a five minute job. Seems these people who live in council houses can't flush the toilet without ringing the council up for help...

[@nataliepeterson4391]

Made me cry my heart gose out to all the family 👪

[@michaelsargeant5923]

Anyone who served their country, shouldn't want for nothing 🇬🇧

[@roberthall8473]

3 children under 10. Children are an expensive conscious decision. I’m not excusing the cost of living rises but some people will always have problems due to their life choices.

[@gavinclarke5079]

I think the point you are missing is that people often have children and become poor later, its not as simple as you think. For instance if the main breadwinner has a well paid job then loses it. Outgoings are much more than they were say in the 70s, 80s etc, energy fir example can make up for 40% of some peoples outgoings.

[@hayleypowell3861]

Shameful that hardworking people/families are left to rot😥

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

Maybe they’re not hardworking enough???

[@jaysverdict8108]

@@HumansAreShitFactories Seriously. These people aren’t working at all. They’re dependent on benefits and bizarrely have kids.

[@tonyclack5901]

When are people going to take responsability for their actions. If you cannot afford 3 children then you should not have them. The assumption that you are entitled to a certain style of life is delusional at best and stupid at worst. I would imagine they have not given any thought to what their children will be doing for a job when they get older.

[@kristinab1078]

That countryside in Wales is beautiful and green. It looks like having a small garden is the first step to feeding oneself and family with fresh greens - at least in the summertime.

[@philipwilkinson4747]

How many voted for Brexit and believed in Bo Jos lies? Get rid of them vote for Labour

[@andrewjones-productions]

The Welsh Government is Labour. Furthermore at the last General Election, Wales primarily voted Labour. There are Conservative seats in Wales, however these are mostly rural areas and often mainly English speaking with a high English immigrant population.

[@dominicclarke7875]

@@andrewjones-productions and those rural areas are racist

[@andrewjones-productions]

@@dominicclarke7875 How so?

[@SSJfraz]

Kier Starmers Conservative Party ain't the answer bud.

[@philipwilkinson4747]

@@andrewjones-productions less lies would be a good start

[@socialgadfly5305]

Can’t survive inside Europe and can’t survive outside, true definition of a basket case.

[@jansix4287]

Maybe the EU wasn’t the problem to begin with? 🤔

[@brendaechols5929]

People act like it's the Depression. You cannot compare the two. It was far worse back in the day . These people survived. You can too.

[@Chipchase780]

Quote: (money U.K. sends abroad) “In 2020, Britain spent 14.5 billion pounds ($20.18 billion) on aid, meeting the 0.7% U.N. target, according to preliminary data released in April. “ It’s disgusting that British citizens pay tax’s to fund benefit provision for when our families and citizens fall on hard times, yet it is handed to foreign countries while our own people struggle to survive like this, and in all parts of the U.K. Something to consider before the next general election ?

[@jimspencer6677]

Labour won't help you, they're only interested in LGBT and people of colour, same as Johnson, and also would send the same abroad, little difference other than they'd be even worse as wasting money, although that Indian bloke has broken the bank

[@cricketbengelly2307]

@@jimspencer6677 shut up you racist bell end

[@Chipchase780]

@@jimspencer6677 I totally agree with your point about Labour, particularly if Dianne Abbott ( who has the dagger out for white people) has a say about it. It’s a hidden subject which I think politicians, whatever party, would rather not discuss because it could harm international relations, but it needs the spotlight on it. If voters make enough noise about it to their parliamentary reps the message will get through. In fact I believe cuts have already been made to overseas aid, but I don’t know the figures. More importantly, that money needs to be channelled back into OUR welfare system.

[@jimspencer6677]

@@cricketbengelly2307 You are a racialist and a foul mouthed fool, listen to you, no wonder UK is down the pan with folks like you

[@rodm9376]

@@jimspencer6677 and what have LGBT and people or colour have literally anything to do with the comment or with this video… you people come up with any excuse to blame minorities for all that’s wrong in this country.

[@josesalgado2064]

First they vote in favour of Brexit, then they vote Tory's 😥😢

[@lmc5955]

Wales is labour, the Labour Party has more local control

[@SSJfraz]

@@lmc5955 Which means absolutely nothing when the sociopaths in Westminster control the amount of funding availability. Can't provide enough funding for the devolved administrations, but have no issue funding phony wars against Russia.

[@kevwalker5714]

@@SSJfraz errrrrrrrr what....wales gets record funding this year. Billions from the tory govt in Westminster to the welsh labour party

[@ageoflove1980]

Such a shame. With a little bit of maintenance and modern isolation these houses could be great. Perhaps some stimulation for the availibility of work, What a beautiful location! These people could be very happy here.

[@gardenjoy5223]

But don't these cost a fortune?! We insulated our home. It was done by a friend, who worked hard for a relative small wage. It cost us 25.000 Euros. It will save that amount in heating in about 10 years time. But you do have to have it at the start. And you only do that, when the house is your own property.

[@ageoflove1980]

@@gardenjoy5223 "LONDON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Britain is likely to spend 69 billion pounds ($82.95 billion) on schemes to protect households and business from soaring electricity costs, half of the original estimate, a UK spending watchdog said, as a mild winter softened energy costs." So, perhaps instead of just trowing money at energy companies, they could make some more long term investments. If you divide that amount by the costs you mention the UK goverment could isolate 2,760,000 houses.

[@barsixful]

Sad stories. Good luck to all those struggling

[@lemonteapot1061]

This is heartbreaking 😢

[@mrbjangles]

Don't worry Wales, Brexit will bring costs down. Any century now...

[@MrTuxy]

Did these poor people vote?

[@mstt3530]

@@MrTuxy Unfortunately, they did! Check the data, the majority of people in Wales voted for Brexit. Bojo and co used them, these people were and still are desperate. They thought their situation would change. When will people learn, it's only going to get worse.

[@MrTuxy]

@@mstt3530 I guess it was already so bad they figured it couldn't get worse :(

[@honved1]

@@MrTuxy I’m from there,, the Rhondda had a lot of EU funding. I was disgusted when I heard the result. It was designated as one of the poorest places in the EU and received a lot of funding as a result.

[@mrbjangles]

In my book, by not voting, you were complicit.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

So much of the UK seems straight out of a updated Dickens novel. Why do these young people have children?

[@l.aposdif4855]

I'm completely scared to death by the rise in the prices of fuel, gas, food ...the prices of basic needs have risen exponentially If you're a person who has been struggling with mental health issues like it's my case (and that often implies not having a stable job) it's even scarier and of course it takes a toll on your mental health. What is this world/society becoming??

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

They haven’t risen exponentially

[@benterry2681]

23 with 3 kids, on benefits and complain about a free house. Meanwhile I’m working 5 days a week as an engineer, I’m 27 and can’t afford a flat. The idea of a family is unthinkable. People who can’t afford kids having kids, not working means this working pay for these peoples mistakes. Their idea of a normal life is a family and life of buying anything they want without working

[@theflowerofscotland9737]

How can Tories, with their privileged Eton backgrounds, understand or care about this poverty? This is happening all over the U.K. The Tories refused to implement Marcus Rashford's demand for more free meals. They're more concerned with saving Bankers' bonuses.

[@kevwalker5714]

"Rashford" didn't pay for any meals out of his tax free multi million salary either

[@theflowerofscotland9737]

@@kevwalker5714 LOL, a warped Tory in the area.😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@the_9ent]

How’s that Brexit vote working out for you?

[@mohamudabdi5423]

It's covid measures, not brexit. Inflation is an international phenomenon. Look at the Euro area countries and the US, then ask yourself if this is also due to Brexit.

[@boofuu3145]

lol you showing your low IQ , do you really think that washes as a cause?

[@nickd.6365]

Sunlit Uplands

[@imastaycool]

@@mohamudabdi5423 no other European country is experiencing it THIS bad! Seriously stop being an ostrich!

[@nickd.6365]

@@mohamudabdi5423 😂

[@monipenny408]

Like George Carlin said (slightly paraphrased) “Now, there's one thing you might have noticed I don't complain about: politicians. Everybody complains about politicians. Everybody says they suck. Well, where do people think these politicians come from? They don't fall out of the sky. They don't pass through a membrane from another reality. They come from British parents and British families, British homes, British schools, British churches, British businesses, and British universities, and they are elected by British citizens. This is the best we can do folks. This is what we have to offer. It's what our system produces: Garbage in, garbage out. If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you're going to get selfish, ignorant leaders. Term limits ain't going to do any good; you're just going to end up with a brand new bunch of selfish, ignorant sods. So, maybe, maybe, maybe, it's not the politicians who suck. Maybe something else sucks around here... like, the public. Yeah, the public sucks." Much like the US govt, UK govt does not serve the people, they are highly incompetent clowns put in place to serve the greedy class. The govt knows the public/peasants are easily divided and distracted and so this will continue until the peasants start eating grass. Power never concedes.

[@atomictraveller]

and they make television programs that are really entertaining

[@kayhigton275]

If you are struggling the worse thing to do is get hire purchase on things you can do without. Heating off, cut lights out, it's tough but also it can make you stronger, survival mode.

[@bremCZ]

What do you mean you can't afford Christmas? Christmas isn't bought, it's given.

[@vladimirputin4822]

"When a dead Palestinian is press-ganged into selling playstations and beer"

[@mannatuu]

The 2 most important laws of social development that Marx discovered in his scientific enquiry into capitalism were " the tendency for wealth to accumulate at one pole and for poverty and misery to accumulate at the other". His 2nd law was for "the general rate of profit to fall" . Thus the tendency therefore for finance capital to dominate economic and social life and for the irresistible rise of credit and thus debt. These very 2 laws are manifest in the present decay of world capitalism. On the one hand the disgusting social inequality that has post 2008 risen to new heights. Where billionaires have increased their combined wealth by $2 trillion during the Pandemic , whilst the misery we see ' here in Wales' has become common place and unrelenting as inflation wreaks havoc . All this in a world where post the 2008 banking crisis the combined level of world debt has hit staggering heights. In the US alone it now stands at $30 trillion. However as humanity toboggans towards war and irreversible climate change , the science that explains this trajectory is still treated as if it is a pariah . Given the 'silent treatment' to make it look like it doesn't even exist. Yet today it haunts the bourgeoisie as did the ghosts of Xmas past haunt Scrouge. No doubt you will delete this as well Channel4.

[@jpfrank4228]

Except the communist solution that I suppose from your remarks you support/propose is FAR FAR FAR worse than the current corrupted capitalist system. Under communism 1) the poor are much poorer than under capitalism, 2) inequality is much higher, given the authoritarians in charge of the system inevitably plunder the nations wealth. Also 3) communism requires the eradication of freedom to enjoy the fruits of your own labour and sovereignty over your own property... and inevitably the eradication of democracy, freedom or speech etc... What we need is a mixed economy; capitalism as much as possible but also good public services where the market fails to adequately provide, and a reasonable social safety net to protect the needy, unlucky, without dissincentivicing productive work. The capitalism aspect of the economy should be meritocratic, where more productive people are incentived to produce/innovate and enrich their fellow man by the prospect of wealth accumulation... corruption (where people acquire unearned wealth) needs to be completely eradicated Socialist/communist sympathisers like I suppose you are tend to think corruption is just a capitalism issue... could not be further from the truth... its a HUMAN issue. Every economic system ever has been plagued by it. Modern Liberal democracies in the west have done a better job eradicating it than any of your favourite communist/socialist nations ever did

[@DJB2]

@@jpfrank4228 you assume a lot.

[@woden3894]

It's a "paraih" because Marxist utopianism resulted in 100 million deaths. Marxism always leads to totalitarianism, collectivization and some of the most barbaric barbarism the world has ever seen and should be outright ostracized from society in the same way Nazism was.

[@DJB2]

Marx also predicted that poor people would one day realise that they were cash cows for the rich and powerful and rise up once they’d had enough, unfortunately he was wrong. Aldous Huxley had a better understanding of the down-trodden human psyche.

[@boofuu3145]

inequality is worse in china, russia and north korea , why have the commies not succeeded in implementing the equal society?

[@azureramorganna7337]

I'm across the pond. We're seeing it to. Its nuts how fast things go up

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

My family were convicts and then poor in tassie so feel for these people.