We’re halfway into 2025, and across the UK, a heavy sense of frustration hangs in the air. People are working harder than ever, yet struggling to make ends meet. The cost of living continues to rise, wages remain stagnant, and affordable housing feels like a distant dream. Trust in political leaders is basically nonexistent at this point, and many feel that no one is truly listening (no, not even Reform). The collective mood across the nation is, well, pretty dire, to be honest, and it’s easy to see why when you break down what daily life is like here lately.
Wages aren’t keeping up with living costs.
Despite working full-time jobs, many of us find our paycheques stretched thin. Essential expenses like food, energy, and transportation have seen major price hikes, while salaries have remained largely unchanged, or even gone down. This imbalance forces people to make tough choices between necessities. The disparity between income and expenses has led to increased reliance on credit and food banks. For many, the dream of financial stability feels increasingly out of reach.
The housing crisis is worsening.
Affordable housing is becoming scarce, especially in urban areas. Rent prices have soared, and homeownership is unattainable for many young people. Even social housing options are limited, with long waiting lists and substandard conditions. This crisis has led to a rise in unconventional living situations, such as van dwellings, and has exacerbated issues like overcrowding and homelessness. The lack of secure housing contributes in a big way to the nation’s overall sense of instability.
Public services are under strain (and that’s putting it lightly).
The NHS, once a source of national pride, is grappling with staff shortages and long waiting times. Education systems face funding cuts, and public transportation is unreliable. These challenges make daily life harder and more frustrating, and they definitely destroy trust in public institutions. We feel the impact of these strains in their everyday experiences, from delayed GP appointments to flytipping to overcrowded classrooms. The deterioration of public services adds to the growing disillusionment.
Political disillusionment is widespread.
Confidence in political leaders is at a low point. Many feel that promises made during campaigns are quickly forgotten once elections are over. There’s a pervasive sense that politicians are out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary people. This disillusionment has led to voter apathy and a search for alternative voices, with some turning to emerging parties that claim to represent the “real” concerns of the populace.
Mental health problems are rising.
The cumulative stress of financial insecurity, housing instability, and lack of trust in institutions is taking a toll on mental health. Reports indicate an increase in anxiety, depression, and other related conditions. Access to mental health services is limited, with long waiting lists and insufficient resources. This gap leaves many without the support they need during challenging times.
Young people feel left behind, and you can’t blame them.
Younger generations express frustration over limited job opportunities, high student debt, and the unattainability of homeownership. Many feel that the system is rigged against them, with fewer prospects than previous generations. That sense of being overlooked contributes to a growing generational divide and a feeling among youth that their voices are not being heard in decision-making processes.
Inflation continues to far outpace earnings.
While official reports suggest that inflation rates are stabilising, the reality for many is that prices for everyday products and services remain high. Unsurprisingly, that destroys purchasing power and savings. The discrepancy between reported economic indicators and lived experiences fuels scepticism about the accuracy and relevance of official statistics.
Energy costs are a major burden, and many are still having to choose whether to heat or eat.
Energy bills have become a major financial strain for households. Despite government interventions, many struggle to afford heating and electricity, leading to tough choices, especially during colder months. Taking away the winter fuel allowance for the most vulnerable was a cruel political decision with real consequences. The high cost of energy not only affects comfort but also has broader implications for health and well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Food insecurity is on the rise, as well.
The cost of groceries has increased, making it challenging for families to maintain a nutritious diet. Food banks report higher demand—the Trussell Trust reported giving out 2.9 million food parcels in 2024 alone—and stories of people skipping meals to save money are becoming more common. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, that’s disgusting. The growing food insecurity certainly highlights the depth of the economic challenges facing many households across the UK.
Community support networks are strained.
Local charities and community organizations are overwhelmed, trying to fill the gaps left by public services. While these groups provide essential support, they often operate with limited resources and face increasing demand. The reliance on community networks underscores the inadequacy of systemic solutions to address widespread issues.
Trust in media is declining.
Many citizens express scepticism towards mainstream media, feeling that coverage is biased or disconnected from their realities. This mistrust complicates the dissemination of important information and contributes to the spread of misinformation. The erosion of trust in media sources adds another layer to the public’s sense of uncertainty and confusion, and it’s hard to know how to pull people back to reality.
Environmental concerns are continually being denied or deprioritised.
While climate change remains a critical issue, immediate economic pressures have pushed environmental concerns down the priority list for many. People are more focused on day-to-day survival than long-term sustainability. Sadly, that change in focus may have long-term consequences, as delayed action on environmental issues could exacerbate future crises.
There’s an overall pervasive sense of hopelessness.
Perhaps most concerning is the growing feeling of hopelessness. Many individuals feel that no matter how hard they work or how much they try, their circumstances remain stagnant or worsen. This sense of despair can lead to disengagement from civic life and a withdrawal from community involvement. Addressing this pervasive hopelessness requires comprehensive and empathetic approaches that acknowledge the multifaceted challenges people face and work towards tangible solutions.
