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The cost of living ….
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people "
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad.  |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad. "
I don't put my heating on, way too expensive but I live on my own so nobody else to worry about.
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"Somewhere someone is making a killing from all this."
It's always been the same. The rich get richer. The cynic in me doesn't think the prices will ever fall back to what they were before either. They may well drop, but not all the way.
What a time to be alive eh? |
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All at the same time as one energy company reveals records profits in the £bn's - its just wrong.
I was reading an article from a credible source the other day that we dont even own the oil or gas we produce as a country anymore, the company will sell it to the highest bidder, therefore, we export a shit load of the stuff and then pay stupid prices to get supplies from elsewhere. |
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Are our European cousins suffering from the same high gas prices?
Or is it down to Brussels fucking us over coz of Brexit?
Can't see the French putting up with such rises without major demonstions |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It’s a disgraceful state of affairs. My 20 year old daughter is doing a gap year and is working instead of uni. Just like that, the company she works for (they’re huge, so not a small fry local one) decided to drastically cut everyone’s hours. Thankfully she lives at home, but what if she had rent to pay (bang goes my digs!) or a car on the road??
Zero hour contracts should be illegal in my view. |
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"I feel sorry for those who took out Mortgages during the low point and didn’t fix it for 5 or 10 years.
That’s going to be expensive for them! "
Trying to get myself on the ladder asap so I can get a 10 year fixed before they shoot up. It’s gonna be rough when they do |
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"I feel sorry for those who took out Mortgages during the low point and didn’t fix it for 5 or 10 years.
That’s going to be expensive for them!
Trying to get myself on the ladder asap so I can get a 10 year fixed before they shoot up. It’s gonna be rough when they do "
I wouldn’t even buy when it was announced that they were looking at raising it. Either this raise or the next will mean people loose their homes. |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people "
Yes going to be tough for a lot of people and once the prices go up they are never going to come back down again, they will just continue to make more profits, feel really sorry for the people who are already finding it hard to live. |
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"It’s a disgraceful state of affairs. My 20 year old daughter is doing a gap year and is working instead of uni. Just like that, the company she works for (they’re huge, so not a small fry local one) decided to drastically cut everyone’s hours. Thankfully she lives at home, but what if she had rent to pay (bang goes my digs!) or a car on the road??
Zero hour contracts should be illegal in my view."
I don't think they should be illegal, because they do suit some people, but I'd argue that a company should be legally obliged to offer you a contract at your average weekly hours worked on a rolling 6 month basis, once past probation.
Before zero hour contracts were a thing, I worked at Wilkos throughout my time at uni on an 8 hour contract, but I regularly worked 60+ hour weeks, with an average over 40 hours. I wouldn't have wanted a higher contract, but there were people there in similar situations who had families to provide for. |
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"All at the same time as one energy company reveals records profits in the £bn's - its just wrong.
I was reading an article from a credible source the other day that we dont even own the oil or gas we produce as a country anymore, the company will sell it to the highest bidder, therefore, we export a shit load of the stuff and then pay stupid prices to get supplies from elsewhere."
Have a Google for 'energy provider profits UK 2021'. The top result is an infographic from Ofgem. Dual fuel providers take a 0.91% profit margin according to that, so whilst yes we're still talking billions, it's a very very small portion of your bill. |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad.
I don't put my heating on, way too expensive but I live on my own so nobody else to worry about.
"
Hermetic stress...Good for you.   |
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By *hilloutMan
over a year ago
All over the place! Northwesr, , Southwest |
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people "
There are multiple reasons for this, chief among them poor strategic long term planning and misallocated priorities re funding.
I find it both ironic and worrisome that with so many structural issues, and huge debt load, British foreign policy seems stuck in the 1940's. This not only narrows economic and trade options, but saps resources the UK doesn't have to spend. |
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By *m389Man
over a year ago
Magherafelt |
"All at the same time as one energy company reveals records profits in the £bn's - its just wrong.
I was reading an article from a credible source the other day that we dont even own the oil or gas we produce as a country anymore, the company will sell it to the highest bidder, therefore, we export a shit load of the stuff and then pay stupid prices to get supplies from elsewhere.
Have a Google for 'energy provider profits UK 2021'. The top result is an infographic from Ofgem. Dual fuel providers take a 0.91% profit margin according to that, so whilst yes we're still talking billions, it's a very very small portion of your bill. "
I think part of the issue is that there are layers and layers of profit happening. Your provider makes a profit but so does every other person/business the provider depends on, from their cleaners to computer providers etc… |
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"All at the same time as one energy company reveals records profits in the £bn's - its just wrong.
I was reading an article from a credible source the other day that we dont even own the oil or gas we produce as a country anymore, the company will sell it to the highest bidder, therefore, we export a shit load of the stuff and then pay stupid prices to get supplies from elsewhere.
Have a Google for 'energy provider profits UK 2021'. The top result is an infographic from Ofgem. Dual fuel providers take a 0.91% profit margin according to that, so whilst yes we're still talking billions, it's a very very small portion of your bill.
I think part of the issue is that there are layers and layers of profit happening. Your provider makes a profit but so does every other person/business the provider depends on, from their cleaners to computer providers etc…"
Sure, but that's not exactly the same as energy companies profiteering from the suffering of the poor as is often implied.
That being said, I highly doubt you'll find any level of management in these companies that are struggling financially, so they're clearly making plenty. Plus of course much like a non-profit, they still find ways of getting money into their pockets. Taking your example, if a director of an energy company also happens to own a cleaning company where there isn't a cap on profits, you're quids in with a very hefty invoice for those cleaning services. |
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"I constantly worry over money.
I'm solely responsible for the house and 3 children, it's not easy at times "
It can't be easy for sure and does affect a lot of other stuff. Hope you find a way to manage, all the best. |
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By *m389Man
over a year ago
Magherafelt |
"All at the same time as one energy company reveals records profits in the £bn's - its just wrong.
I was reading an article from a credible source the other day that we dont even own the oil or gas we produce as a country anymore, the company will sell it to the highest bidder, therefore, we export a shit load of the stuff and then pay stupid prices to get supplies from elsewhere.
Have a Google for 'energy provider profits UK 2021'. The top result is an infographic from Ofgem. Dual fuel providers take a 0.91% profit margin according to that, so whilst yes we're still talking billions, it's a very very small portion of your bill.
I think part of the issue is that there are layers and layers of profit happening. Your provider makes a profit but so does every other person/business the provider depends on, from their cleaners to computer providers etc…
Sure, but that's not exactly the same as energy companies profiteering from the suffering of the poor as is often implied.
That being said, I highly doubt you'll find any level of management in these companies that are struggling financially, so they're clearly making plenty. Plus of course much like a non-profit, they still find ways of getting money into their pockets. Taking your example, if a director of an energy company also happens to own a cleaning company where there isn't a cap on profits, you're quids in with a very hefty invoice for those cleaning services. "
I agree, though energy companies profiteering off the poor is a simpler message. |
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By *omer47Man
over a year ago
leigh |
Have no mortgage anymore, just the usual energy bills. Not really fussed over them to be honest, but for those who are either struggling or finding it hard/difficult to cope with, there is help out there for you. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I constantly worry over money.
I'm solely responsible for the house and 3 children, it's not easy at times "
Maybe look up tax credits. Or Money Saving Expert site.
Apologies if you've done this already. X  |
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By *andonmessMan
over a year ago
A world all of his own |
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people "
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline  |
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"I work full time, and am solely responsible for all bills, every penny is a prisoner as it is. I have no idea how I'm going to cope "
Not nice for people at the moment. As others said, even though you work, check if you are entitled to any support. All the best |
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Don’t get me started, I thought I was on good money but I’m struggling now !!! God help me come April,
May have to have a huge LOVE-IN to keep warm, plenty of boobs and beer, Bills are getting stupid |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad.
I don't put my heating on, way too expensive but I live on my own so nobody else to worry about.
Hermetic stress...Good for you. "
It bloody is! I do have s warn house for guests though  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I work full time, and am solely responsible for all bills, every penny is a prisoner as it is. I have no idea how I'm going to cope
Not nice for people at the moment. As others said, even though you work, check if you are entitled to any support. All the best"
Unfortunately I don't think I am but thank you |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"I feel sorry for those who took out Mortgages during the low point and didn’t fix it for 5 or 10 years.
That’s going to be expensive for them!
Trying to get myself on the ladder asap so I can get a 10 year fixed before they shoot up. It’s gonna be rough when they do "
I chose not to fix last year and took 0.9% instead, and borrowed over just 12 years , with a good overpay allowance so very high monthly payments but every month seeing capital reducing , so when I change end of next year, rates will be higher, but capital lower so even a 2 point increase will reduce my monthly payment . Plus wages are going up very fast right now so 1000 a month now will feel less in 2 years
It all depends how much you’re borrowing and for how long , when rates are low long fixes are very uncompetitive and you can end up paying much more interest. |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all"
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I constantly worry over money.
I'm solely responsible for the house and 3 children, it's not easy at times "
I can’t pass comments like yours without sharing info about social prescribing - hope you don’t mind. Ask your GP about it and let someone support you to make sure you’re getting all the emotional, financial and wellbeing support you’re entitled to x
https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/policy-and-influence/social-prescribing
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Unfornately the rag to riches stories are few and far between. Most people in dire situations need some support till they can stand on their own feet. Sheer will and determination alone is rarely enough. That's just sadly how it is for a lot of people and I for one will not begrudge any government who will seek to help those most vulnerable, disabled etc. I like to live in a caring and supportive world who help when someone in need but also encourages opportunities. Sadly too many people believe, let's penalise the poor or the disabled or disadvantaged as its all their fault and should get up and sort it all out themselves. If only itvwas that simple for everyone |
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The government is slowly drifting towards the policy of importing everything. With such a heavy reliance on this we are leaving ourselves so vulnerable in the future. It’s pure madness. If the war kicks off in Ukraine it will be even worse and that’s without thinking about the poor souls that are over there in whatever capacity.
Hold on to your hats folk, we’re in for a very bumpy ride |
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The government cannot control energy companies more so when it was privatised.
what did you really expect when the energy companies was sold off years ago.
the six companies operating the electricity distribution network are paying their shareholders vast profits while adding pressure to household bills. New government regulations from Ofgem have failed to drive necessary investment in the electricity grid to make it fit for the future
you will find reference to this via the below reference
Huge profits are being made in the electricity business - but is this in the national interest
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jan/16/energy-firms-seeking-whitehall-loans-paid-200bn-to-shareholders-since-2010
from another newspaper
It's clear that Ofgem - a toothless regulator - can't and won't stop private energy companies extracting as much money as possible out of people through their energy bills.
"The only way we will deliver a fair energy system is to kick out the private companies and the profiteers, and bring it into public ownership. It would save us billions, allow us to tackle fuel poverty and build an energy system ready and able to respond to the climate emergency. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Have no mortgage anymore, just the usual energy bills. Not really fussed over them to be honest, but for those who are either struggling or finding it hard/difficult to cope with, there is help out there for you. "
You are indeed very lucky to be in that position, but not a lot of people are.
There is "help" but for what you get given with one hand it gets taken away with the other,as myself many others can tell you.
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Just look at anti dumping duty which is supposed to protect local companies and prevent goods from being imported from China and India for less than they can be sourced in the UK.
That's adding 90% to the cost of nuts and bolts and other items vital to the building and engineering trades which will put some small companies out of business but will also have a knock-on effect on building costs. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you "
I'm sure poverty stricken families hit by 10 years of austerity are definitely looking at building savings and owning property. I feel like you're living in a different world to many in the UK at present. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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There will be a lot of people pushed into poverty this year
Keep doors closed, use draught excluders
Consider renting out your spare room for additional cash
Use food banks if you need to.. Also check if your area offers any social enterprise schemes providing access to cheaper shopping
Look for school uniform swap shops and kids winter coat
I fixed my mortgage last year so at least i know what I'm paying for the next 4 years  |
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"It will be worse for those who have to continue working from home although their is an annual tax claim for it "
The tax rebate for WFH amounts to about £1.20 a week (rebate against £6) and apparently our illustrious Chancellor is going to scrap it:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rishi-sunak-working-from-home-tax-cut-b979304.html |
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A lot of the issues come down to an inability by many people to manage personal finances. Skills that are no longer taught or encouraged.
There are so many additional pressures on people to spend what they don't have.
As already said above many of us have been through all these problems before but we didn't have the luxury of cheap holidays, cheap booze and cheap clothing. We had to cut our cloth to suit.
As the only breadwinner in the house I raised 3 children on minimum wage and bought a house and cleared the mortgage 8 years ago.
I was in a management position, the second highest position in the company behind the owner and when I left that business in Oct 2013 I was earning £14,500 a year with no bonuses or addons.
I'm not talking ancient history here. That was just over 8 years ago.
I fully accept the difficulties that many people have because I had all of them and I know what's involved in raising a family and putting a roof over their heads while on such a low wage but I don't believe kids are taught how to be frugal anymore or how to manage finances.
The government doesn't care. We are all just a national insurance number. |
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I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you "
How? |
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"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling."
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
How? "
That’s a really demotivating statement to read, as a single woman working full time in mental health and a second job on weekends. Please don’t tell people they need to look at owning property. The average income is what? 27k per annum? Please be more understanding. It’s not so straight forward, as to make better decisions to be able to earn more. The living wage seems to be based on couples living together and sharing bills. Don’t get me started on council tax and single persons discount being only 25%  |
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"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling.
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?!"
I don't think they know yet themselves how they will do it. There is a surprise. A little plaster for a big wound I am afraid. It's going to be very hard for a lot of people. Incidently not just people who waste money or those who don't plan their finances as has been suggested unfortunately. |
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By *iamondCougar OP Woman
over a year ago
Norfuck! / Lincolnshire |
"It will be worse for those who have to continue working from home although their is an annual tax claim for it
The tax rebate for WFH amounts to about £1.20 a week (rebate against £6) and apparently our illustrious Chancellor is going to scrap it:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rishi-sunak-working-from-home-tax-cut-b979304.html"
Oh that’s a bummer but my comment was more about having the heating or (or not) if you have to WFH |
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By *m389Man
over a year ago
Magherafelt |
The system doesn’t work. It passes too much risk onto the people, the risk of not being able to provide for one’s own essential needs.
The one thing we got right in the country was healthcare, we don’t run the risk of not being able to afford emergency care like they do in the United States.
No one should run the risk of not having food or heating etc… if it means we have to socialise these things then so be it. At least we could guarantee everyone is warm and is fed properly. |
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"It will be worse for those who have to continue working from home although their is an annual tax claim for it
The tax rebate for WFH amounts to about £1.20 a week (rebate against £6) and apparently our illustrious Chancellor is going to scrap it:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/rishi-sunak-working-from-home-tax-cut-b979304.html
Oh that’s a bummer but my comment was more about having the heating or (or not) if you have to WFH "
Oh yes, agree. The tax rebate thingy was supposed to offset the extra cost of energy etc somewhat. My contract explicitly states that my employer won't contribute towards the cost of WFH, if I "choose" to do it. One of my reasonable adjustments for disability, since 2017, have been the ability to WFH 2 days a week... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
How?
That’s a really demotivating statement to read, as a single woman working full time in mental health and a second job on weekends. Please don’t tell people they need to look at owning property. The average income is what? 27k per annum? Please be more understanding. It’s not so straight forward, as to make better decisions to be able to earn more. The living wage seems to be based on couples living together and sharing bills. Don’t get me started on council tax and single persons discount being only 25% "
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"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling.
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?!"
They chancellor answered this now. You can't, everyone will get it whether you like it or not. |
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"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling.
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?!
They chancellor answered this now. You can't, everyone will get it whether you like it or not. "
That seems madness for those that don’t need it. I don’t need it and would rather it was spent on something more useful to others.
I’m lucky the energy increase won’t hit me to much. I’ve been paying the same set rate for 6 years and seemingly paying way over. So monthly total cost for gas & eiectric dropped to £50 a month this month, with a large 4 figure credit already sitting on my account. Ill use this to offset any increase, but my monthly amount won’t increase. |
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"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling.
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?!
They chancellor answered this now. You can't, everyone will get it whether you like it or not. "
But I don't want a Govt loan of £200 over 5yrs  |
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"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling.
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?!
They chancellor answered this now. You can't, everyone will get it whether you like it or not.
But I don't want a Govt loan of £200 over 5yrs "
Lol, well tough luck. You ate having it whether you like it or not  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I have just been reading on what other countries are doing. It seems and yet again, although not done a detailed comparison, that what they have just anounced regarding support here is miniscule compared to the measures others have taken. £200 off and £150 'loan' isn't really going to be enough is it for lots of people who are already struggling.
It's a £200 loan plus £150 off your council tax, apparently. What if someone doesn't want a £200 Govt loan over 5yrs?! I don't want to pay more for my energy but ultimately, we are fortunate to be able to squeeze it out. I don't want a loan. How does one decline it? Surely customer cannot be compelled to take a Govt loan?!
They chancellor answered this now. You can't, everyone will get it whether you like it or not.
But I don't want a Govt loan of £200 over 5yrs "
Oh i just went to look at the news.. This is so bizarre  |
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By *iamondCougar OP Woman
over a year ago
Norfuck! / Lincolnshire |
"It’s even more expensive to die.
Have you seen the price of a funeral these days?
Almost makes you wanna keep living!!!"
My parents paid for theirs 30 years ago and even then it was £1500 each which my mother thought was disgraceful that would only pay for the handles on her box these days |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad.
I don't put my heating on, way too expensive but I live on my own so nobody else to worry about.
Hermetic stress...Good for you.
It bloody is! I do have s warn house for guests though "
I remember your warm welcome. |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad.
I don't put my heating on, way too expensive but I live on my own so nobody else to worry about.
Hermetic stress...Good for you.
It bloody is! I do have s warn house for guests though
I remember your warm welcome. "
I still have that bed too. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people "
How come we are footing the bill, when companies like shell and other suppliers have recored record profits. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
How come we are footing the bill, when companies like shell and other suppliers have recored record profits."
Because Big business matters and families on the breadline don't. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Jeremy Corbin I know his hated, but that isn't my point, did he not say about this behaviour from companies and the connection with government would lead to high prices etc.
is this is whats happening now? |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
I'm sure poverty stricken families hit by 10 years of austerity are definitely looking at building savings and owning property. I feel like you're living in a different world to many in the UK at present. "
Probably now yes, but I’ve been there and know exactly how it feels. Doing unskilled work , renting an absolute dump and bringing up 3 daughters while studying and working full time night shifts in a factory, magistrates court for poll tax debt , living off credit cards, never being able to buy anything nice, constantly worryingly by about money and when things like a washer or car breaks it’s a major issue with zero savings. Late 1980s / early 90s we’re horrific if you were poor and much less help was available than now |
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"Are our European cousins suffering from the same high gas prices?
Or is it down to Brussels fucking us over coz of Brexit?
Can't see the French putting up with such rises without major demonstions "
Not sure about the exact percentage rise but cost of living in France/Europe has shown simular rises. It is not cheaper there and they have kicked back but to no real effect. Brexit hasnt made it easier nor has the pandemic. Keep your eye on the financial market we may lose our hold there too. But the real issue is Russia and China they wont need arms to crack the shattering european contentant which includes us. |
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"It’s a disgraceful state of affairs. My 20 year old daughter is doing a gap year and is working instead of uni. Just like that, the company she works for (they’re huge, so not a small fry local one) decided to drastically cut everyone’s hours. Thankfully she lives at home, but what if she had rent to pay (bang goes my digs!) or a car on the road??
Zero hour contracts should be illegal in my view."
Zero hour contracts do have a place but I agree there are cases in which they are being abused. Those like your daughter who are not happy with their employment terms should be pro-active rather than just moan about them. There are plenty of companies who are recruiting with full time contracts for those who seek them out. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
I'm sure poverty stricken families hit by 10 years of austerity are definitely looking at building savings and owning property. I feel like you're living in a different world to many in the UK at present.
Probably now yes, but I’ve been there and know exactly how it feels. Doing unskilled work , renting an absolute dump and bringing up 3 daughters while studying and working full time night shifts in a factory, magistrates court for poll tax debt , living off credit cards, never being able to buy anything nice, constantly worryingly by about money and when things like a washer or car breaks it’s a major issue with zero savings. Late 1980s / early 90s we’re horrific if you were poor and much less help was available than now "
And if someone had told you then to take a serious look at earning potential and build up your savings - would you have found it somewhat patronising? Families using food banks, choosing between food and heat even when one or both parents is working. Zero hour contracts are still very much here. Poorer families have already been hit by austerity cuts for a decade. It's very bad for a lot of people. I was just reading about how disabled people will be hit disproportionately by energy and food costs - they've already seen huge benefit cuts. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
I'm sure poverty stricken families hit by 10 years of austerity are definitely looking at building savings and owning property. I feel like you're living in a different world to many in the UK at present.
Probably now yes, but I’ve been there and know exactly how it feels. Doing unskilled work , renting an absolute dump and bringing up 3 daughters while studying and working full time night shifts in a factory, magistrates court for poll tax debt , living off credit cards, never being able to buy anything nice, constantly worryingly by about money and when things like a washer or car breaks it’s a major issue with zero savings. Late 1980s / early 90s we’re horrific if you were poor and much less help was available than now "
God i remember the interest rates of mortgages in the 90s and negative equity! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"All while our illegal friends get a nice 5m a day spent on them for hotels and essentials. "
Would you like to point to some actual facts?
I'd also say that the billions wasted and given to mates in contract deals by Tory Minister is more relevant. |
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real."
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them? |
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real."
How dare they?? Shd only b allowed to drink water!!  x |
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?"
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
|
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
"
Call me a cynic... |
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
Call me a cynic..."
.
It's so much easier to hate than help isn't it |
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
Call me a cynic...
.
It's so much easier to hate than help isn't it "
It is. And far to easy to assume than to assess. |
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I rather live in a society that cares for the vulnerable and those in need than castigate them even if the odd rogue one slips through the net or god forbit be seen having a coffee or worse still a bottle of mineral water. The majority of people I know and choose to associate myself with and most people in general are compassionate and caring and hope that never changes. |
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"I rather live in a society that cares for the vulnerable and those in need than castigate them even if the odd rogue one slips through the net or god forbit be seen having a coffee or worse still a bottle of mineral water. The majority of people I know and choose to associate myself with and most people in general are compassionate and caring and hope that never changes. "
x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"All while our illegal friends get a nice 5m a day spent on them for hotels and essentials. "
Illegal immigrants are not having anything spent on them because they are illegal therefore not entitled to anything. Think you are referring to completely legitimate asylum seekers who are awaiting their claims to be Assessed. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Some very judgmental comments on this post.
As for the one about someone sipping a coffee while saying they are struggling is absolutely ridiculous because for all you know someone bought it for them all that could be there only treat and even if it isn't how does that impact you in any way? |
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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago
Dubai & Nottingham |
"All while our illegal friends get a nice 5m a day spent on them for hotels and essentials.
Illegal friends?
Asylum seekers?"
It’s just easier to focus on other people than solve your own problems. People on benefits drinking Costa, asylum seekers, politicians having parties , are they are all to blame for people’s inability to earn amd save enough to survive price rises?
Stop worrying about food and gas, no one will starve in this country and it will be warmer in April so just turn the heating off while the government figure it out. worrying won’t help anyway.
Put your focus on more important things like skills or I can guarantee in 5-10 yes you’ll be in the exact same position , dependant on a labor government to increase min wage and throw you a few scraps |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Yep candy you are spot on there money needs to be spent on essentials not luxury."
It's absolutely none of your business what other people spend their money on. You don't get to decide what is an essential or a luxury for someone else or that they shouldn't have it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
Call me a cynic...
.
It's so much easier to hate than help isn't it "
Very much so, by the looks of it. I’d love some of the haters to come work with me for a month and you’ll see how things really are for those on the poverty line. Disabled people now having to use their food and gas money to pay for support, with no way of improving their income. A trip to costa coffee once a month might be highlight of their month. So easy to judge other people without walking a mile in their shoes. Very depressing!! |
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"I rather live in a society that cares for the vulnerable and those in need than castigate them even if the odd rogue one slips through the net or god forbit be seen having a coffee or worse still a bottle of mineral water. The majority of people I know and choose to associate myself with and most people in general are compassionate and caring and hope that never changes. "
|
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
How? "
Yes, please tell us how to "get much more money in, build savings, own properly". A lot of people reading this would find such advice very useful at this difficult time. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you "
Wow! It's really not that simple. |
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
Wow! It's really not that simple. "
I was on the housing market for 18 years on a single income above the threshold of any benefits. I had a career after years of homelessness, social housing, got myself educated, saw one child through uni and supportd the other through some truly awful times, without being eligible for financial help and eventually had to sell up.
18 years of mortgages got me 30k profit, the vast majority of which went on 25 years of accumulated debt and enabled me to rent and lift the burden of house repair and maintenance.
Cost cutting? No holidays, no social life...before I got my career, one Christmas a charity found me. They gave me a £50 voucher for C&A so my children opened presents of clothes that year, along with a bag of mostly broken donated toys.
I had no landline (pre mobile) and the carpets in the bedrooms were old army blankets.
When I said I had no money, I actually had no money. One Saturday, I broke into a commemorative coin thing I had been given to me years previously so I could buy some food for the weekend and some chocolate for the children.
Where in that lot was the abilty to plan a future when I just about got through the next day? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
Wow! It's really not that simple.
I was on the housing market for 18 years on a single income above the threshold of any benefits. I had a career after years of homelessness, social housing, got myself educated, saw one child through uni and supportd the other through some truly awful times, without being eligible for financial help and eventually had to sell up.
18 years of mortgages got me 30k profit, the vast majority of which went on 25 years of accumulated debt and enabled me to rent and lift the burden of house repair and maintenance.
Cost cutting? No holidays, no social life...before I got my career, one Christmas a charity found me. They gave me a £50 voucher for C&A so my children opened presents of clothes that year, along with a bag of mostly broken donated toys.
I had no landline (pre mobile) and the carpets in the bedrooms were old army blankets.
When I said I had no money, I actually had no money. One Saturday, I broke into a commemorative coin thing I had been given to me years previously so I could buy some food for the weekend and some chocolate for the children.
Where in that lot was the abilty to plan a future when I just about got through the next day?"
It sounds to me that you did a tremendous job of getting through the days and bringing up your children. Thinking about the future is a luxury in those circumstances. And there are so many people in this situation now. Who've tried to keep going and stay afloat as austerity kept snipping away. Two years of Covid and now huge increases and a government of millionaires who couldn't care less. |
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By *not123Couple
over a year ago
sp1 |
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people "
And im having a 10% freeze on working unsociable hours caring for others |
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"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
Wow! It's really not that simple. "
It’s absolutely not and the simplistic views like the one you responded to make me so angry. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
Wow! It's really not that simple.
It’s absolutely not and the simplistic views like the one you responded to make me so angry. "
As someone said above being able to plan for the future is a luxury. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"To go forwards we need to go backwards.
There needs to be a complete collapse of the system before the poor can earn a proper crust.
There is 1% of people that control the wealth in this country. The whole thing is an utter joke. We used to be proud. Help each other. Now we cannot even afford to hear our own homes as we are taxed to death. Take the head off the snake and the rest will perish. Then as a nation we can go about building a fair and equal system for all
You are right in the first sentence only.
Any one on UC or living wage need to take a serious look at future earning potential and make tough decisions to change it. Cost cutting will help but it won’t solve the situation you have to get much more money in, build savings, own properly etc. No one , no government , will do it for you
Wow! It's really not that simple.
I was on the housing market for 18 years on a single income above the threshold of any benefits. I had a career after years of homelessness, social housing, got myself educated, saw one child through uni and supportd the other through some truly awful times, without being eligible for financial help and eventually had to sell up.
18 years of mortgages got me 30k profit, the vast majority of which went on 25 years of accumulated debt and enabled me to rent and lift the burden of house repair and maintenance.
Cost cutting? No holidays, no social life...before I got my career, one Christmas a charity found me. They gave me a £50 voucher for C&A so my children opened presents of clothes that year, along with a bag of mostly broken donated toys.
I had no landline (pre mobile) and the carpets in the bedrooms were old army blankets.
When I said I had no money, I actually had no money. One Saturday, I broke into a commemorative coin thing I had been given to me years previously so I could buy some food for the weekend and some chocolate for the children.
Where in that lot was the abilty to plan a future when I just about got through the next day?"
You sound an amazing woman and many of us can relate from humble backgrounds x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As a couple, we are currently 'comfortable' and our salaries far outstrip our outgoings so the rises will take out money but won't cripple us
However, it only takes for one of us to become unemployed and that status quo could tip quite dramatically
As such, we have agreed to no unnecessary spending - holidays, new clothes etc and start squirreling away to provide a buffer if the situation changed
That rainy day is never as far round the corner as you think it might be
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As a couple, we are currently 'comfortable' and our salaries far outstrip our outgoings so the rises will take out money but won't cripple us
However, it only takes for one of us to become unemployed and that status quo could tip quite dramatically
As such, we have agreed to no unnecessary spending - holidays, new clothes etc and start squirreling away to provide a buffer if the situation changed
That rainy day is never as far round the corner as you think it might be
"
Absolutely and estimated that almost all of us are only 3 day days aways from financial ruin. |
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By *usie pTV/TS
over a year ago
taunton |
I am certain ninety percent of us can save £200 on our food bill with out raising a sweat, make a list of what you are buying and see what you can cut out and cheaper alternatives, we all throw away more than that, trouble is most of us are too damn lazy to bother its the culture we have developed in this country. At the end of this year I suspect we will find it is much more than £200 on the food bill. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I am certain ninety percent of us can save £200 on our food bill with out raising a sweat, make a list of what you are buying and see what you can cut out and cheaper alternatives, we all throw away more than that, trouble is most of us are too damn lazy to bother its the culture we have developed in this country. At the end of this year I suspect we will find it is much more than £200 on the food bill. "
Wow, it must be lovely to actually have that much to spend on food! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline "
I heard this and thought there really are some stupid people about if it's the same one, she was only heating her front room with a gas fire and she was using an electric heater in the kids bedroom and she had a combi boiler!! had no body thought to tell her how much more gas a gas fire uses than a combi boiler which would heat the whole house and don't get me started on electric heaters might as well burn money |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline I heard this and thought there really are some stupid people about if it's the same one, she was only heating her front room with a gas fire and she was using an electric heater in the kids bedroom and she had a combi boiler!! had no body thought to tell her how much more gas a gas fire uses than a combi boiler which would heat the whole house and don't get me started on electric heaters might as well burn money"
Who is this person who should be telling this poor woman what she should be doing? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline I heard this and thought there really are some stupid people about if it's the same one, she was only heating her front room with a gas fire and she was using an electric heater in the kids bedroom and she had a combi boiler!! had no body thought to tell her how much more gas a gas fire uses than a combi boiler which would heat the whole house and don't get me started on electric heaters might as well burn money
Who is this person who should be telling this poor woman what she should be doing? "
anybody, she is struggling through her own ignorance using the most uneconomical methods of heating a house possible if she turns down the radiators in the rooms she frequents less and runs her thermostat lower she could have a warm house cheaper than having a cold house with one warm room, so her ending up on the radio saying that energy prices are forcing her to live like that is rubbish she has chosen to live like that because she hasn't researched anything to help her situation. |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline I heard this and thought there really are some stupid people about if it's the same one, she was only heating her front room with a gas fire and she was using an electric heater in the kids bedroom and she had a combi boiler!! had no body thought to tell her how much more gas a gas fire uses than a combi boiler which would heat the whole house and don't get me started on electric heaters might as well burn money
Who is this person who should be telling this poor woman what she should be doing? anybody, she is struggling through her own ignorance using the most uneconomical methods of heating a house possible if she turns down the radiators in the rooms she frequents less and runs her thermostat lower she could have a warm house cheaper than having a cold house with one warm room, so her ending up on the radio saying that energy prices are forcing her to live like that is rubbish she has chosen to live like that because she hasn't researched anything to help her situation."
I see. Not everyone has access to that information or is lucky enough to have friends or acquaintances who know such things. I can't agree that it's entirely her fault that she's struggling, it's probably a combination of circumstances that have lead her to be where she is. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline I heard this and thought there really are some stupid people about if it's the same one, she was only heating her front room with a gas fire and she was using an electric heater in the kids bedroom and she had a combi boiler!! had no body thought to tell her how much more gas a gas fire uses than a combi boiler which would heat the whole house and don't get me started on electric heaters might as well burn money
Who is this person who should be telling this poor woman what she should be doing? anybody, she is struggling through her own ignorance using the most uneconomical methods of heating a house possible if she turns down the radiators in the rooms she frequents less and runs her thermostat lower she could have a warm house cheaper than having a cold house with one warm room, so her ending up on the radio saying that energy prices are forcing her to live like that is rubbish she has chosen to live like that because she hasn't researched anything to help her situation.
I see. Not everyone has access to that information or is lucky enough to have friends or acquaintances who know such things. I can't agree that it's entirely her fault that she's struggling, it's probably a combination of circumstances that have lead her to be where she is. "
this is how the country seems to be lots of people who dont know alot of basic things to help there life. As a country we would be better of having tv programs and information easily available even some one from the local council who could help with tips on saving money, running an efficient house ECT
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I am certain ninety percent of us can save £200 on our food bill with out raising a sweat, make a list of what you are buying and see what you can cut out and cheaper alternatives, we all throw away more than that, trouble is most of us are too damn lazy to bother its the culture we have developed in this country. At the end of this year I suspect we will find it is much more than £200 on the food bill. "
£200 a year? |
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Seriously, the bottom line is there are sadly lots of people out there struggling to make ends meet. Yes lots of us can save a bit here and there but some have very little to start with to be able to do that. I feel for those people and hope that they manage to find a way forward and the right help is available to them at their hour of need. I was brought up to show compassion and help whenever I can and don't begrudge any support anyone gets or listen to sensationalism about scrounges and such like. There will be always one or two, so be it. I am interested in the suffering of those that struggle and how our so called civilised society can help out in whatever way we all can. No, I am not mother Teresa, just a decent human being , I hope. |
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"All at the same time as one energy company reveals records profits in the £bn's - its just wrong.
I was reading an article from a credible source the other day that we dont even own the oil or gas we produce as a country anymore, the company will sell it to the highest bidder, therefore, we export a shit load of the stuff and then pay stupid prices to get supplies from elsewhere.
Have a Google for 'energy provider profits UK 2021'. The top result is an infographic from Ofgem. Dual fuel providers take a 0.91% profit margin according to that, so whilst yes we're still talking billions, it's a very very small portion of your bill. "
Yep. Taking billions. So no need to penalise the customer.
Almost as though the government and industry are in cahoots..
Same as with what the water companies are allowed to get away with.
OFWAT amd OFGEM are made to strategise to be light touch, so government and industry have absolutely nothing to worry about.
Its almost like the media dont care. I wonder why?right wing capitalists owning nrarly all of it.
And those who want to offer a more balanced/nuanced view get their effective existence threatened(BBC/C4).
Control the people's perception and you're on to a winner innit.cosno one will ever vote them out if they dont realise things could be different.
Despite there nevver being such a disparity between those in poverty and the rich for over a hundred years.
= ££££££££££££££££££££££££
Jobs a good un.
And the tories are laughing at us. They cant believe their luck at succeasfully managing such a permissive situation /country.
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I never thought that I would see the day that I would do this, but for the first time ever whilst doing my weekly shop yesterday, I looked at my list, and the prices in Morrison's, and came out with only a fraction of the items on my list. I thought this has gone far enough! Later now I'm in Asda, Lidl and Tesco with a notepad and making price comparison.
As for fuel prices, I am seriously looking at the cost effectiveness of installing a wood burner, and gathering up all the scrap wood, cardboard boxes, and paper that I can lay my hands on, whilst topping up the heat in other rooms with a burst from electric heaters. That's what we had to make do with when were kids, before double glazing and insulation was the norm, with Jack Frost patterns on the window panes because it was so cold, and we survived. So maybe a little bit of history repeating itself. |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
I heard that on the radio too, people only being able to afford to heat one room, having cold meals as they can't afford to cook, worrying times for those close to the breadline I heard this and thought there really are some stupid people about if it's the same one, she was only heating her front room with a gas fire and she was using an electric heater in the kids bedroom and she had a combi boiler!! had no body thought to tell her how much more gas a gas fire uses than a combi boiler which would heat the whole house and don't get me started on electric heaters might as well burn money
Who is this person who should be telling this poor woman what she should be doing? anybody, she is struggling through her own ignorance using the most uneconomical methods of heating a house possible if she turns down the radiators in the rooms she frequents less and runs her thermostat lower she could have a warm house cheaper than having a cold house with one warm room, so her ending up on the radio saying that energy prices are forcing her to live like that is rubbish she has chosen to live like that because she hasn't researched anything to help her situation.
I see. Not everyone has access to that information or is lucky enough to have friends or acquaintances who know such things. I can't agree that it's entirely her fault that she's struggling, it's probably a combination of circumstances that have lead her to be where she is. this is how the country seems to be lots of people who dont know alot of basic things to help there life. As a country we would be better of having tv programs and information easily available even some one from the local council who could help with tips on saving money, running an efficient house ECT
"
I do agree that quite a few people are not aware of some basic life skills. I don't think it helps to demonize them though. Local councils have no money they're unlikely to be able to have a dedicated person to advise. I think though that until you've experienced proper, grinding poverty, the type where you genuinely hope your kids don't put on a growth spurt because you have no way of affording new clothes it's not possible to understand that money saving tips just won't cut it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Super tough. I hope everyone gets through this prioritising the essentials much as possible without going mad. Crazy when literally everything is going up. So hard to budget.
Cost of not just covid but brexit and fixing the planet coming at the same time. Triple whammy!! Now is the time we need to produce incredible leaders to get us thru this.. Seems hardly any country has this sadly... Too embroiled in power politics. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm worried like everyone else about the cost of all our bills going up. I rarely put my heating on and I'm embarrassed to say that I very nearly didn't do a food shop this week but I said to myself "get a grip, you need to eat". Fortunately my bills are relatively low as I live by myself but I'm still concerned about how things are going x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
Call me a cynic...
.
It's so much easier to hate than help isn't it
It is. And far to easy to assume than to assess. "
I had a discussion at work tother day, about this story of a family claiming so much benefits but still said they don't get enough.
Does anyone know people like this? I know a lot of folk claiming benefits who aren't in this position. Funny how shit like this comes up when prices are increasing innit? So anyone who really suffers just get labelled as scroungers etc.
There are way more of us than there is the people in power. They know this, so maybe it's themwho are keeping us divided and arguing?
Just a thought |
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad. "
Most people around the world have always had to make that decision. All else being relative, food in western countries has never been so cheap. In our society food is taken for granted and very under valued whilst entertainment spend is over valued. |
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"If I see another person on benefits being interviewed on the telly while sipping a costa lot coffee I am in danger of smashing the telly with a hammer, get real.
How do you know that the TV people didn't buy it for them?
Steady on!
Surely you're not implying that the media tap into the "all people on benefits are layabouts who fiddle the system" zeitgeist
Call me a cynic...
.
It's so much easier to hate than help isn't it
It is. And far to easy to assume than to assess.
I had a discussion at work tother day, about this story of a family claiming so much benefits but still said they don't get enough.
Does anyone know people like this? I know a lot of folk claiming benefits who aren't in this position. Funny how shit like this comes up when prices are increasing innit? So anyone who really suffers just get labelled as scroungers etc.
There are way more of us than there is the people in power. They know this, so maybe it's themwho are keeping us divided and arguing?
Just a thought"
In my opinion there's no maybe about it.
I know that a minority defraud the benefit system I have no idea how because when we needed them it was well nigh impossible to claim what you were entitled to let alone what you weren't.
What a sad state of affairs when we can't reach a hand down to help someone up but choose to criticise and blame instead because of the divide and rule culture we live in. |
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By *ocky82Man
over a year ago
Watford |
The cost of living is an absolute joke atm I’m lucky enough to earn ok not amazing but ok but if it keeps going who knows I do feel for people less fortunate it just doesn’t seem fair, there’s definitely something no right with this country it’s definitely not Great Britain anymore unless you arrive illegally that is !
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"The cost of living is an absolute joke atm I’m lucky enough to earn ok not amazing but ok but if it keeps going who knows I do feel for people less fortunate it just doesn’t seem fair, there’s definitely something no right with this country it’s definitely not Great Britain anymore unless you arrive illegally that is !
"
What's different if you arrive illegally? |
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By *ocky82Man
over a year ago
Watford |
"The cost of living is an absolute joke atm I’m lucky enough to earn ok not amazing but ok but if it keeps going who knows I do feel for people less fortunate it just doesn’t seem fair, there’s definitely something no right with this country it’s definitely not Great Britain anymore unless you arrive illegally that is !
What's different if you arrive illegally? "
You don’t have to pay your own way do you ?
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"The cost of living is an absolute joke atm I’m lucky enough to earn ok not amazing but ok but if it keeps going who knows I do feel for people less fortunate it just doesn’t seem fair, there’s definitely something no right with this country it’s definitely not Great Britain anymore unless you arrive illegally that is !
What's different if you arrive illegally?
You don’t have to pay your own way do you ?
"
Oh you mean the people that come in seeking asylum, refugees? Not the ones who overstay their visa and have to work for very low wages and have no access to health care or benefits. |
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By *ocky82Man
over a year ago
Watford |
"The cost of living is an absolute joke atm I’m lucky enough to earn ok not amazing but ok but if it keeps going who knows I do feel for people less fortunate it just doesn’t seem fair, there’s definitely something no right with this country it’s definitely not Great Britain anymore unless you arrive illegally that is !
What's different if you arrive illegally?
You don’t have to pay your own way do you ?
Oh you mean the people that come in seeking asylum, refugees? Not the ones who overstay their visa and have to work for very low wages and have no access to health care or benefits. "
That’s exactly who I mean and if the ones that over stay their visas don’t like life here all of a sudden cos they have to work they can always leave can’t they ? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Fuel prices up by 54%
Mortgage lending up by 0.5%
Food bill up average £200 per year
Look like it’s gonna be a tough year for some people
It certainly does and as usual it hits the most needy worse. I hope people who need it get proper support and never have to choose between heating and food on the table. It makes me sad.
Most people around the world have always had to make that decision. All else being relative, food in western countries has never been so cheap. In our society food is taken for granted and very under valued whilst entertainment spend is over valued. "
The food poverty rate in the UK is one of the highest in Europe. Over five million people live in food poverty. (2019-2020 figures)
"People living in food poverty either don’t have enough money to buy sufficient nutritious food, struggle to get it because it is not easily accessible in their community, or both. " (Big Issue) |
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By *usie pTV/TS
over a year ago
taunton |
Fuel is the biggest driver in all of this, I can only think nuclear is going to be the long term solution with so many things going electric but we don't want to hand over control to foreign powers. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I am certain ninety percent of us can save £200 on our food bill with out raising a sweat, make a list of what you are buying and see what you can cut out and cheaper alternatives, we all throw away more than that, trouble is most of us are too damn lazy to bother its the culture we have developed in this country. At the end of this year I suspect we will find it is much more than £200 on the food bill. "
But the cost of all food is going up so people will have to sacrifice a fair bit to save that 200 pounds. |
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Ignore me, I’m a nut job .. 