To relocate the family back to the UK?

I’m in the same boat as you. I left three years ago and really want to move back. I can’t tell you if the UK has deteriorated in the last few years but I do know it is my ‘home’ and there is much to love about it - tolerance, the sense of humour, great TV, beautiful countryside, etc.

OP, I find a lot of British people complain massively about life here, but as a migrant who has lived on 4 continents, I think it has many good points and overall is a great place to live if you have a good income. Yes the weather can be wet and grey, but it is mostly mild and not extreme. The NHS has real problems but if you have a good income are in good health then you should be able to afford private cover (my employer provides it and many do- yes it is a huge privilege). Otherwise the people was wonderful and kind, it is generally safe, the culture and hospitality are amazing, quality and variety of food are fantastic and career opportunities are available.

When I moved to the UK almost 20 years ago British people would regularly tell me I was crazy, most people want to leave, and the country has gone to the dogs. It’s a really weird mindset but the recent comments about the state of the country aren’t new.

The Aussies call the British ‘whingeing poms’ for a reason!

Is there any way you could visit for a bit longer? I personally think things have deteriorated since you left, but you may experience it differently. I think the best thing to do is seeing if you could do an extended visit and pretend-live here for a month or so. Not just the 'highs' of family visits at nice times of the year, etc.