What a cheery thought for the coming winter

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UK faces its worst economic crisis in 60 years. How bad do we think it will get?

Great isn't it? As if the shite weather isnt bad enough. If I were younger I would emigrate.

It's going to be bad whichever way you cut it.

I was on another forum and they were talking about the 70s and rolling power cuts etc and 24% inflation, I was very young then and can't remmber that or even imagine what that would be like now.

however bad it gets, the government doesn't give a fat rat's arse.

just heard that a family i know has had their home reposessed. they have had to move into temporary accomodation.

yes, that's just what councils needed, more homeless.

EPIS - too right - Gordy & co have their pensions and gold-plated lecture circuit incomes so they're all right.

Every few months FTR hubby & I debate whether we made the right choice in 2005 of not emigrating to Australia

It is not like Australia (or anywhere else for that matter) is going to be immune to this worldwide economic downturn...

Last time round inflation at it's worst it was 13-15%.

The Govt have since taken out of the equation housing costs (mortgage & coucil tax) when calculating inflation, which makes up most of ppl's outgoings (averaging 45%), so the real rate of inflation somewhere near 10%.

Food, fuel & coucil tax poverty weren't an issue then though.

Are We A Nation of Wusses?

Perhaps if the govt really meant what they say they would reconsider the taxes placed on fuel ...

the only problem with articles like that, heated, is that they focus on England.

as opposed to a Scottish Highland winter .

also, some of us can't upgrade radiators and change suppliers and put in solar panels because we live in rented accommodation.

and wouldn't it at least be nice to think we've come some way away from the past?

i mean, is harking back to the 60s a good thing?

FWIW, the British standard of living is years behind many other WEstern nations already, as some of the commentors pointed out.

oh now that would be a cold day in hell for sure, Nag .

and GB is about to announce a package of measures to re ignite the housing market by lending public money to local councils to part buy into homes that are about to be repossessed or buy empty ones and let them.All this will just push this country further into debt we already have the cock up that is NR to pay for and now this.Inflation is def nearer 10% and is rising yet they are considering lowering interest rates and then inflation will rocket.I just despar as heating is so expensive now and food this winter is going to be terrible.

I think we've (the country) have had it good for so long that we are not use to tightening our belts. It's a shock to the system. The government and businesses have been encouraging us to spend, spend , spend for years now because they wanted to improve the economy and it's left the country in a huge mountain of debt. Something had to give, we couldn't keep on going, lending and spending. This should have been foreseen by the government! It's greed that's got us in this mess.

'and GB is about to announce a package of measures to re ignite the housing market by lending public money to local councils to part buy into homes that are about to be repossessed or buy empty ones and let them.'

so in other words, if you can't pay your mortgage, the council/taxpayer will provide you with a place to stay.

meanwhile, the working poor who have been on wait lists for years and years for social housing will continue to move round from pillar to post.

exactly expat and i'm sure it will just encourage people to default in order to stay in their homes and then we the tax payer take on a debt for an asset that is depreciating

I think the thing that really annoys me about the whole situation is the buck passing and hyperbole tht goes on...

The govt say the right things, but do f all to help the hard working, struggling families..

No disrespect, but I know things were hard for families in other economic downturns, but let's stop this comparison of war wounds and have peopole on board with some concrete ideas and plans to get us out of it...

Someone seriously needs to tell the govt to stop the hand waving and sabre waggling at Russia and get on with the job they are employed to do...

yeah, let's reward people who were financially irresponsible and stiff the ones who chose to be more prudent, all whilst lecturing about how we need to tighten our belts.

fuck you, GB. seriously.

So, the government are going to give the local councils money to buy empty/repossessed houses. Right. So, this money will go to the banks then won't it, which will then go to the shareholders. I can't see how helping out the few will benefit the many? Banks make enough of a profit out of us, isn't it time they gave some back? And the supermarkets, and the energy companies. How can a company that makes 1billion pounds profit in 6 months justify increasing charges again? Yes, the global prices have increased alot but they should take the fall for this and cover the cost. They are making a huge profit out of what is a necessity, we have no choice, we have to have gas to keep warm. They should reduce their prices and stop using their customers as a way of making money. This has gone on for far too long. These comapnies need to start paying back their customers now.

And those who are ultimately responsible for the huge sub prime debacle still collect their huge bonuses and share options .... and foreclose on those unable to pay the extortionate mortgage rates imposed ...

Not just empty or repossessed but also they plan to buy part of houses about to be repossessed It is a mess and a crappy idea.

Luckily we have decided not to sell.

So it means, our little flat will be cramped, but we wont be screwed. We might even be able to afford holidays still!!!