The upcoming government Spending Review holds significant importance as it will delineate the allocation of funds for various public services over the next four years. Such services encompass essential sectors that impact millions, including the National Health Service (NHS), educational institutions, public transport systems, welfare benefits, and defense among others. In light of these impending decisions, the BBC reached out to a diverse group of individuals with varying incomes, asking them what they wish to see in the upcoming budgetary considerations.
One voice emerging from the debate is that of Lewis Eager, a 26-year-old part-time worker earning £850 per month from an on-demand supermarket delivery service. Residing with his parents, Lewis pays a moderate rent of £120 but expresses deep concern about the challenges young people face in securing stable, well-paying employment. With a business administration apprenticeship and an Open University degree under his belt, Lewis has faced an uphill battle in the job market, having submitted over 4,000 applications without securing a full-time position. He articulates feelings of frustration and hopelessness, particularly when entry-level positions demand prior experience. Lewis advocates for more investment in adult education, highlighting the urgency of addressing this “looming crisis” for his generation.
Meanwhile, Resheka Senior and her husband Marcus, who together earn £52,500, shed light on the burdens of childcare, particularly in the current economic climate. Resheka, a nursery nurse currently on maternity leave, finds herself in a difficult financial situation, exacerbated by expenses related to childcare. Despite their steady income, the couple struggles with debt and the prospect of remaining in their two-bedroom council apartment in Woolwich. Resheka passionately argues for increased government support, specifically proposing that the state fund breakfast and afterschool clubs and provide additional free childcare services beyond the existing 30-hour weekly allowance. Her plea underscores a sentiment shared amongst many working families striving to stay afloat financially.
The narrative continues with Ollie Vass and Grace Sangster, both 19, who together bring home £71,000. They advocate for the expansion of apprenticeship programs, outlining their own positive experiences with such pathways. Their journey into homeownership, thanks to diligent saving and help from a small inheritance, has fostered a desire for the government to facilitate similar opportunities for other young people. They propose adjustments to the tax-free allowance to better support low-income earners and call for reductions in rail fares, stating that current transport costs are prohibitive.
On the other end of the spectrum, 23-year-old Leah Daniel, a full-time mother, voices her struggles living on a total of £700 monthly, supplemented by Universal Credit. Leah articulates the challenges posed by cuts to welfare, asserting the vital need for sufficient support to help families escape poverty. At times, her family’s financial situation forces them to skip meals, further emphasizing the critical need for stable employment and better welfare provisions from the government.
In stark contrast, Dr. Kirsty Rogerson, a GP earning £96,000, offers a unique viewpoint. While acknowledging her comfortable financial status, she raises concerns about the accessibility of healthy food and the health repercussions stemming from food insecurity. Dr. Rogerson advocates for governmental policies that would subsidize fresh produce while elevating prices on processed foods to promote healthier living choices.
Finally, 72-year-old Sylvia Cook, living on a £20,000 pension, posits that rather than ramping up spending, the government should prioritize austerity measures and efficiency savings. She encourages a detailed review of inefficient expenditures within public services, particularly within the NHS, pointing out that simply increasing financial input doesn’t guarantee improved outcomes.
The diverse narratives shared by these individuals illustrate the complexities of economic realities faced across various income brackets in the UK. As the government prepares for its Spending Review, these voices express both hope and critique, calling for meaningful changes that consider the varied needs of British society. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the pressing issues that await solutions in the upcoming budget.
