Need to know basis
🗳️ Vote, vote vote. Local elections are happening across the country today, and the cost of living crisis has dominated campaigning. Here's everything you need to know about how to vote. A reminder that you will need ID to vote (a decision that has sparked a fair bit of controversy).
🤴 Royal riches. I spoke to a royal expert about his best estimates for how much the coronation will cost the public (spoiler alert: it’s tens of millions at least). Even CNN is reporting that Brits are questioning money being spent on the glitzy coronation. “It’s not a good look,” the headline reads.
💰 Unclaimed billions. UK households are missing out on £19billion a year in welfare benefits, Policy in Practice has found. That means vulnerable people and those earning lower incomes are not getting the support they need in the cost of living crisis – benefits stigma, not knowing what’s available and difficulties accessing support are all part of it.
🗣 Claim it now. You can find out whether you’re eligible for benefits through Turn2Us’ benefits calculator or by speaking to Citizens Advice. But even if you’re not eligible for benefits, there is support you can get in the cost of living crisis – we have a guide here.
🏠 Sex for rent. Women are increasingly turning to escort work to afford the basics in the cost of living crisis. It comes as the Home Office is considering a new law to crack down on “sex for rent” arrangements and prevent landlords from preying on vulnerable renters.
♀ She-flation. The Living Wage Foundation found women generally earn less, and buy more of the items that are rising in price including essentials like food. This is becoming known as “sheflation”. Holly Snelling at Channel 4 spoke to women who are bearing the brunt of it.
👑 King’s vision. What would the country look like if Charles were in charge? Poundbury, a village designed by the now-King, is as good an indicator as any. It’s trying to be more than the sole preserve of the rich. My colleague Liam met its residents.
🫶 Big help out. King Charles isn’t just inviting us to pledge allegiance, he’s also encouraging us to volunteer. It’s an opportunity to help a good cause and take part in your community. Volunteering is in no way a means to an end in the cost of living crisis, but huge credit should go to the incredible people who give up their time to help others.
🏫 Yikes. Britain’s private schools are hiking fees up by 10 per cent in some cases. Parents say this is tough in the cost of living crisis, The Times reports. Of course, you could make the argument not to send your kids to private schools but that’s for another day…
🤖 Profit machines. Oil giant BP is raking in the cash, making £4bn in profits in the first three months of 2023. I asked experts how it’s possible they’re bagging so much money while the rest of us battle a cost of living crisis. Meanwhile, Britain’s biggest supermarkets are facing calls for an investigation into how they could be profiteering from the crisis.
📉 Pay cut. Pay up. In case you needed any more evidence there is a glaring wealth gap, the average UK worker took a £700 real-terms pay cut last year, while top CEOs enjoyed massive pay hikes. Lucky for some.
💻 Failed at first hurdle. Disabled job seekers across Britain are struggling to find and apply for work at government-run job centres computers because of a complete lack of assistive technology. My colleague Evie reports on the issue.
