Surviving the Cost of Living

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A series of intergenerational chats connected to the cost of living.

A series of intergenerational chats connecting those living through the current financial struggles with people who found themselves in the same situations in years gone by.

As the UK recovers from the financial impact of the pandemic, the cost of living is now dominating the headlines. Inflation has risen to a 40-year high, energy prices are soaring and taxes have increased, leaving many people across the country struggling to make ends meet.
 
The government has announced billions of pounds in emergency financial support, but problems look set to continue for some time, with low income households feeling the pressure most.
 
We hear the real stories of the people behind the statistics as we connect those living through this crisis with people who survived the financial struggles of the 80s, 90s and late 2000s.
 
What can we learn from those who found themselves in the same situations in years gone by?

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Surviving the Cost of Living: Barry and Amy

Barry and Amy

BBC Radio 4 - Surviving the Cost of Living, Barry and Amy

Amy struggled for money when she was a student. She advises Barry who is at uni now.

Barry is currently studying at university, and he’s struggling with rising costs. He shares experiences with Amy who gained her degree during the recession in 2008.

The cost of living is dominating the headlines. Inflation has risen to a 40-year high, with energy and food prices soaring.

According to recent data by the National Union of Students (NUS), a third of students are living on less than £50 a month after paying their rent and bills. 

Barry, who studies at St Andrews University, is one of many young people struggling with the cost of living. He has been working full time in-between his studies to make enough money, meaning less time for his uni work.

He’s meeting Amy who got her degree at Bangor university during the 2008 recession. She shares her experiences to help Barry get through his last year of studying.  


Presenter: Rachel Stonehouse 
Producer: Georgia Coan 
Editor: Clare Fordham

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Surviving the Cost of Living

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