Enduring Hardship: How the Cost of Living Crisis Continues to Shape One Family’s Political Choices

The 'tough times' of the cost of living crisis persist for one family, influencing their upcoming electoral decision

We spoke with Sarah and Paul amidst the height of the cost of living crisis. They report that not much has improved, and this ongoing hardship is swaying their voting preferences in some direction.

Political and human interest reporter @NickMartinSKY

Monday, July 1, 2024 07:05

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"Price dictates our food choices more than pleasure," Sarah Bowmer explains as we walk along the main street in her hometown, Bakewell, Derbyshire.

The sun is shining brightly, drawing crowds of visitors to this charming market town nestled in the core of the Peak District.

Tourists meander through the gift store while lines gather to purchase the renowned Bakewell pudding, a delicacy that has put this town on the map since the early 19th century.

However, Sarah isn't convinced.

Food costs remain 25% higher compared to the time when I initially encountered Sarah and Paul back in 2022. She refers to that era as the "dark days."

Sarah, aged 53, works as a caregiver for Paul, 56, who has a registered disability. They reside in a rental home together with their two teenage sons, Joseph, who is 17, and William, who is 15.

In 2022, they were faced with a gas bill that had soared to £490, up from £240 just a month earlier.

"Upon reading the letter from the gas company, I immediately started crying. I was completely unsure of how we would manage. It was horrifying," Sarah explained.

They switched off the heat and layered up in sweaters. They reduced their shopping trips and prepared meals in large quantities.

The widely discussed economic downturn had finally impacted their household.

This situation was unfolding, partly due to an increase in inflation across both the UK and globally.

However, the lingering economic effects from the pandemic, compounded by Russia's attack on Ukraine and the trading challenges brought about by Brexit, were exacerbating the situation.

Sarah mentions she was feigning courage for Paul and their sons.

She admitted, "I attempted to act as though all was well, but truthfully, it wasn't. Winter is approaching, and I'm at a loss as to how we'll cope."

In October 2022, the government intervened to curb the soaring costs of household bills, implementing a limit on average expenses to support families.

Sarah, along with many others, embraced it.

Ultimately, the expenses associated with that plan, along with the billions allocated to sustain the economy throughout the pandemic, necessitated tough choices. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt declared £55 billion in budget reductions in the autumn statement of November.

Current predictions indicate that British households are expected to experience the most significant decline in living standards since World War II.

"The issue is currently present"

I caught up with Sarah and Paul in early November when the days had already grown shorter and a chill was setting in, with the weather reports predicting temperatures to plummet below freezing soon.

We gather at their kitchen table for a chat. Paul mentions that their finances aren't stretching as much as they used to.

"He mentioned that what was once a regular shopping trip costing between £20 to £30 now amounts to £70."

"Some expenses, like candies for the children or a delightful dessert, have been cut from our budget. Instead, we allocate those funds to essential needs such as warming our home or settling the bills."

Sarah expresses increasing frustration with political leaders.

"She acknowledged the need for long-term government planning but emphasized the immediate challenges faced by numerous families, including hers, especially during the winter season."

In the coming months, as inflation starts to decline, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sees a potential opportunity to leverage this positive economic development for his benefit.

The Prime Minister declared that a national election is scheduled for July 4, putting the country on alert for the upcoming vote.

"Our situation has deteriorated."

I recently caught up with Sarah and Paul, who shared that their political perspectives have been greatly influenced by the events they've encountered over the past few years.

Sarah notes: "There's been minimal change for us. We continue to face financial challenges and food prices remain elevated."

Indeed, it appears that the cost of food has risen compared to several years ago.

"I've observed the political landscape lurch from crisis to crisis, and it truly infuriates me.

"It seems like they're not concerned with the struggles families like ours face nowadays. They only seem to be looking out for their own interests."

Sarah has a background in a family that traditionally supports the Conservatives and has previously cast her vote for the Tory party. Paul, on the other hand, tends to favor Labour, although he faces a dilemma with this preference.

Further reading: UK's homeless population debates participating in elections. Millions remain on NHS waiting list, including those with endometriosis.

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

"Kier Starmer hasn't fully convinced me as a leader. There's something off that I can't quite identify. However, considering the Conservatives' performance over the last 14 years, I feel compelled to back Labour in the upcoming election."

Sarah notes: "Our situation has deteriorated. We need to consider that in this election."

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