To think the media is exaggerating things

The media particularly the Press have a lot to answer for.

They wind us all up and sit back and wait to see what will happen.

I’m sure the whole H and M story would have fizzled out by now if it wasn’t for the daily updates by ‘royal experts’ who keep banging on about them.

Yes, many people are comfortably off. But many are not and these two facts are not contradictory. Look at government statistics and you will find that 20 of houeseholds (households, not individuals) have an annual income below £15,000 a year.

80% earn more than that and the top 20% have household incomes over £60,000. More than enough to fill the supermarkets and throng the proms. But poor people need to eat as much as rich, so they still need to shop in supermarkets.

Blackpool is listed among the poorest places in the country with high unemployment figures and high figures for fuel and childhood poverty. Some councils use Blackpool and other seaside resorts to house their homeless because, as trade 9s seasonal, rents and hotel rates for year round occupancy are quite low. I would imagine this lovely sunny weather would mean that many of those struggling to survive in Blackpool would be out on the beach and walking the prom, but i doubt they were among those spending money.

Frequently what the media says is correct it is just the people who read it tend to make instant judgements without thinking through deep problems in any depth.

The Lake District is also busy with tourists - but they aren’t spending the same as previous years and some attractions (lake cruise anyone?) are feeling the pinch.

The media is very selective in what they decide to highlight. That being said, I think the financial crunch for many families will be in the Autumn when the energy costs rocket. Maybe the current flurry is a last burst before things go downhill fast.

We have a man at one of my groups that keeps saying he can't see any poverty. Obviously, he does not try to really open his eyes

Yes it is more hidden It is easy to see those who are NOT in poverty (some of them desperately pretending). T hey are the ones with bulging supermarket trolleys, going on their holidays, etc . etc.

A teacher at a recent meeting I went to, talked about the increasing number of children arriving at school each day, hungry. The staff set up (and paid for), a breakfast club for them. More children needing to attend this year, and fortunately, they have support from some local shops sending in foodstuffs.

I have commented i n a different thread about children NOT being able to have hot water water at home to wash themselves or their clothes. All come from homes where adults are in employment.

Instead of looking at the supermarket checkouts, go to your local Food Bank and see what is happening.

I live in a London suburb, my street has a collection every week for a food bank, they tell us that numbers applying have doubled over the past year. Yes, the local restaurants are busy but there are lots of people struggling, and I'm sure things are going to get worse

I remember back in the late 70s teachers bringing in food for the children who'd had no breakfast and probably nothing the night before. Maybe poverty is more obvious now?

Yes there are people who are struggling and in need of help.

We recently had a reminder that although some are still spending like there is no tomorrow many of those are living on credit. We saw the end result when my friend's son lost his home recently and he and his family (5 altogether) have moved to a 2 bedroom bungalow with his mum (my friend). He lost his well paid job about eight months ago, after spending a fortune during lock down landscaping his garden to include a hot tub and summer house. My friend lost her father recently in horrible circumstances and now she's devastated all over again that her son has nothing left but horrendous debts. There wasn't enough equity in the house to cover his debts, even with the prices as they are, I think because he had quite a large mortgage. I think there will be many more stories like this in the months ahead. If I didn't already have guests here I might invite her to stay for a while. Sorry this is a bit long I think. I'm a bit upset about it all, having spent the morning there trying to help move furniture about. I have two of her cupboards in my garage.

There is no shortage of people needing to use food banks, claim means-tested benefits, and contact debt charities for help. They are not out and about apart from essential activities.

I watched a catch up Dispatches last night about the effect of poverty on children, it was heartbreaking, families living in really cramped conditions living hand to mouth, schools doing all they could to ease the burden on these poor children and families. I think at moment a few people are just getting by and making the most of it by using credit cards, buy now pay later and some, savings. Come the Autumn it is going to get horrendous and I think you will see a different story,