Is it really that bad in the UK?

[BlastedPimples]

I don't live in U.K. anymore but was over visiting at the weekend for a wedding.

So lovely to catch up with people I'd not seen for yonks.

BUT every single person I chatted to was so gloomy about the state of the U.K. All professionals (civil servant, TV producer, charity head for example) so perhaps protected from some of the poverty.

I have never heard people express such pessimism even with the approaching GE.

Is it really that bad?

Depends where you are and what you do.

Public services are pretty run down. Prices are up.

If you have money and don't use schools and have access to private healthcare it's ok although A and E is awful.

Seems to be much harder to get a GP appointment generally.

people no longer have reliable access to food, education and health care, so yes, I would say it is bad

I’m ‘lucky’ in that my GP doesn’t operate on system where you can only booked appointments on the day but it’s at least a 4 week wait for a non emergency appointment. Hospitals are nightmare and A and E in many areas are failing. CAHMS only deal with children in crisis. Many schools are in unable to run even at a very basic understaffed level without becoming in debt. There are many people who need carers who just don’t have them but there aren’t enough to go round. Over 30% of children in the UK are living in absolute poverty (not enough money for housing, food, clothing and heating).

Yes it's bad. It's been awful for lower income people for a long time but it's now also being felt by middle and higher income people which is why you hear so much complaining about it. But it's bad.

It's tough but it's not as bad as the majority seem to say tbh.

What were they gloomy about specifically?

Were they all British? Having a moan about the dire state of the UK is something of a past time hobby for a lot of Brits. Of course things are dire but they sort of always have been (well for a good number of years).

It’s terrible. Everything is broken. And I say that as someone in a high income household who is able to buy themselves out of trouble. I look around, particularly at children in poverty and lack of care for the elderly and despair.
Fixing things will take a long time, and a lot of investment and determination. Let’s hope that happens.

It's harder to live for a lot of people. Rising costs have decimated income leaving less disposable income. Going out for essential food shouldn't be costing more at every trip. Clever supermarkets using electric price tags can change their retail price across all stores within seconds.

Underfunded schools, health care and public services mean staff leaving as they are under enormous pressure to deliver an effective service with not enough budget.

The weather has been a big issue this year, it's been grey and wet for 5.5months, this has definitely dampened the mood of the nation. Particularly those that cannot afford a holiday abroad are thinking they must spend their summer in a cold and wet UK.

The GE rolling in where every campaign and media station is pointing out how shit everything is on constant repeat.

It really does feel that bad a lot of the time (it bothers me a bit less when the sun finally comes out for a bit - but that can’t really be relied upon).

I think life probably feels comfortable enough if you own your own home (though good luck to you if you ever need a tradesman in) & are very well paid & don’t rely on public transport. Up until the point that you or your loved ones have any health problems. The state of the NHS terrifies me.

Reform is emboldening the racists and bigots. Social media is playing a huge part in warping voters. It genuinely feels quite scary atm. Every day I’m dealing with disgusting and entitled and rude people. It feels quite bleak.

Yes-public services are not working well. Households on higher incomes spend a lot on tax, housing costs and childcare costs (and feel that they can have little to show for this). Households on lower to mid incomes have been really impacted by inflation which had squeezed budgets.

Anyone in the private rental sector faces huge cost and uncertainty if they need to move. The NHS is in a poor state. You might get great care; or you might be waiting a month to start your cancer treatment. People feel generally less secure I think; and the general election is showing general dissatisfaction- people want a change but aren't super excited about Starmer as prime minister.

I think a lot of hope has gone which is sad but I agree in that I can’t see things improving.

No, not in my experience.

I read threads on here all the time from people complaining and moaning but it's just not something that's reflective of my own life at all.

I got a GP appointment within 40 minutes in Friday.

First class post takes 2+ days to arrive. Queues longer than ever on NHS waiting lists. Waiting times in A&E are crazy 6+ hours. Lack of social housing. Crazy rent prices and on and on - yes it's bad, really bad

It must depend on where you live, like literally what you see out your window. I say out loud how lucky I am to live here at least once a week, and think it most days. I live in a rural, stunning part of the country. Also I'm not British which I think makes a difference. Also it's been sunny this week 😁

So for me, no. It's good.

The UK certainly has some problems that you have highlighted but I think all Western countries have their own problems. I know family in Australia say it's not all plain sailing there with there own social and political issues and same with family and friends who have retired in Spain and Portugal.

Basic services in my area are pretty shite, roads are absolutely wrecked, nhs services are pretty abysmal and the local high school building is literally falling apart.

Yes it’s awful in so many ways.

We’re optimistic though, with the change of government. It will probably take two terms to begin to turn things round.

Yes it is. I worry a great deal about my children’s future.

It’s not all bad. I’ve had good service from the nhs recently, the sun is shining and the birds are tweeting.

Hiwever, , we do seem to like to grumble at the moment.

As previous posters have said, other countries are also suffering. My db lives in Australia and have had grumbles there as well, especially since Covid.

It's not that bad, but things are expensive and public services are underfunded. However things are equally expensive in Ireland (where I'm from), and apparently in Australia too, and apparently in Cyprus too, and apparently public services in Germany are not what they were (and some unpleasant political undertones emerging). And although the Americans I've spoken to aren't moaning as much...why aren't they? I mean things are happening there that I never thought I would see.

The only countries I can think of where things are reported to be just awesome right now are Russia and North Korea .

I think it depends where you live.

I have no issue getting a same day or next day GP appointment and have recently had very positive experience with the ambulance service. My kids school is wonderful. The sun is shining and I have a glorious outlook over fields and fields and wheat and barley. So for me, no, its not bad .

I think so.

I can get a GP appointment fine, we've got a lovely nursery, the sun is out, I've got good friends here...

But the job market seems destroyed, which is scary even if you're not unemployed. Schools are falling apart. Teachers are leaving in droves. Politics are awful, there's no good choice, the cost of living crisis doesn't seem to be coming to an end...

It's okay for me, right now, sat working in the sun...

But I'm really worried for my children.

🤣😂🤣

Labour? Who are clueless? Two terms! Yeah righto…