To think many people are barely surviving Life in uk is unsustainable!

[Cupcakeicecream]

To think a normal standard of living is out of reach to the majority of the population. People are barely surviving as is.They have cut back as far as they possibly can and it's still not enough.Next month prices are rising even more. I know most people would say cut your cloth accordingly dont live beyond your means. If you stopped netflix and takeout coffee everything will magically be solved. That's not realistic there is people out there stressed wondering how they will afford the Bill's barely eating sitting in a cold house as they cant afford to heat the house. Yes there will be people on their high horse saying things are not that bad. But the uk has gone to pot. Wages arent high enough. Food prices are too high. This is just a general rant as its constantly on the news. And some people are just oblivious to the fact people in uk can actual be in poverty and really suffering right now even though we arent a third world country. And it seems will only get worse.

I don't agree. Yes some people are struggling but the country isn't destitute.

And I'd ignore the posts asking you to think about how much better off you are than someone living in a third world country. It is all relative. You feel poorer than you did last year and can't afford things you used to afford. I think it's ok to be upset and angry about that when it's largely the result of poor political decisions.

I honestly didnt think it's a big joint income
And yeah its pre tax. I'm in the south east so even small houses arent cheap to buy.

Quick Google suggests 38k is average and were both below that

This!

The OP needs a reality check

This.

Times are tough, and I really feel for people struggling, but it’s by no means the majority.

not all people OP. Just some people struggling. I dont see any of my friends in my circle struggling. Myself also fortunate enough to not struggling despite only with one household income.

but lots of parents in my sons school seems to struggle as they take 2 jobs. I know this because they usually do football and swimming together with my sons but they quit the club and have to work 2 jobs.

Developing Country!

Not solely poor political decisions

1. Covid debt
2. Brexit impact
3. Food & energy inflation caused by Ukraine war

...

Yanbu! I think we have terrible levels of poverty and hardship for a so-called first world country. It makes me sick to see the huge gap between the very poor and the mega rich. I can't stand it when people say "oh so and so worked hard for his millions, good on him" (say for example David Beckham or Gary Lineker) when some of the people who contribute to their coffers are on their knees.

It’s not a race to the bottom.

And yes, many people, the most vulnerable, are barely surviving.

Same here, I don’t see what you’re seeing at all OP.
We’re just outside a fairly large city. Everywhere is packed. Everyone we know is going abroad this year, people are still eating out, pubs, family activities and attractions are packed. We know people having weddings and abroad hen/stag dos this year and 3 more of all 3 next year.

There is, of course, a percentage of the population struggling but it’s far from being wide spread.

Am I missing something ? Can you explain what the connection is please ?

Most people "barely surviving" absolute nonsense.
If this is your experience then I wouldn't tell you otherwise, but this is a rich country.

For how many people please? I'm moving and Morrisons will be my nearest - currently Aldi.

Most people are doing just fine - you can see this clearly just by looking around. Every second house around here has a skip in front because the owners are spending £100k on a refurb and loft extension.

Obviously there are pockets of poverty and that sucks, but let's not lose our sense of perspective.

Jeez so many posters clearly living in their own little bubbles, oblivious to how other demographics might be coping, perhaps they never watch the news or documentaries.

Nurses and teachers using food banks, that suggests a problem to me! Not everyone is a middle class Londoner, and not everyone lives in an area where rents are low. And not every family has two adults.
For me it’s what’s happening to the most vulnerable in our society that is telling. Those who are sick, have a disability, single parents, mental health issues etc

We are being more careful but still go out occasionally and have takeaway food for birthday treats etc.

I dont agree its majority but it is many people.

I am not sure why people are saying loads of places are packed, that is not going to be the people who cant afford to put their heating on. Those people are going to be hidden out of sight, not in a busy town centre with a sign round their neck going we cant afford anything

Nope. Everyone I know is doing fine and you really need to educate yourself about other countries.

What a ridiculous argument! Those people are escaping war, persecution etc. so obviously the UK is a better place to be. Honestly, I shake my head at this type of thinking.

You get it loud and clear.

Staggering amount of sticking fingers in ears and going la la la on this thread!

Our household is in the top 10% or 15% or whatever for income. But our mortgage has gone up £400 per month, our utilities have gone up £200 per month, our food bill has gone up at least £200 per month. We can't just adjust to £800 less without feeling it. So no holiday or home improvements for us this year.

And we're well off! What about everyone else? How can it not be obvious/visible?

Don’t agree with you at all OP. The vast majority are not “barely surviving” and I actually think that’s quite tasteless given what’s going on in some parts of the world.

Eh? I'm genuinely asking
Why the aggression?