This week the government will set out how much it is going to spend over the next four years on the public services that millions of people use every day. That includes the NHS, schools and public transport as well as welfare benefits, armed forces, energy projects and a whole range of other government spending. We asked a handful of readers, who had contacted the BBC via Your Voice, Your BBC News, what they would like to see in Wednesday's announcement. Lewis Eager, 26, works two shifts a week in the on-demand delivery service for a supermarket in Southend-on-Sea, earning £850 a month. He lives with his parents who he pays £120 a month. He would like the Spending Review to include a plan to help young people like him find well-paid, full-time jobs. Lewis completed a business administration apprenticeship and an Open University degree, but says he cannot find full-time work. He estimates he has applied for more than 4,000 jobs without success. "Getting knocked down all the time is horrible." Even entry-level jobs seem to require experience, he says. He sees a "looming crisis" among young people unable to get on the jobs ladder, and would like to see more money go into adult education. "I live with my parents which I have nothing against, but I thought I would have achieved more by now," he says. Resheka Senior, 39, is a nursery nurse and her husband Marcus, 49, a school caretaker. Between them they take home more than £50,000 a year. But the couple say they are still struggling, particularly while Resheka is on maternity leave. When she goes back to work, Resheka says she won't be much better off because she will have to pay for childcare before and after school for her five-year-old and all day for the younger children, aged two and nine-months. They have debts that they are shuffling between credit cards and no prospect of moving out of their two-bedroom council flat in Woolwich, London. "I don't want to stay at home. I've been working since I was 15 years old," says Resheka. But she would like to see more support for couples who are "making an honest living". She wants the government to pay for free breakfast and afterschool clubs or more free childcare on top of the 30 hours a week currently provided. "It's not as if I'm saying I want benefits," she says. "We're putting back into the economy. We just need some help." Ollie Vass works for a nutritional supplement company, where he earns £31,000. His girlfriend Grace Sangster also 19 is on an apprenticeship scheme earning £40,000. They each started saving from the age of 13, earning money mowing lawns and working in restaurants. In April, with the help of a small inheritance and their Lifetime ISAs, the couple completed on a £360,000 two-bedroomed terraced house near Slough. Ollie and Grace would like to see more support for young people starting out, especially first-time buyers, and more apprenticeships. They also think the tax-free allowance, which has been frozen since 2021should rise so that people on low wages can keep more of their earnings. Ollie also wants to see cheaper rail fares: "At the moment it's too expensive to use." Leah Daniel, 23, and her partner are entitled to £800 a month in Universal Credit and the council pays £900 a month rent for the flat in Birmingham they share with their two-year old daughter. But currently around £100 a month is being deducted from their Universal Credit to pay for advances they took while homeless for a short time. Leah says they run out of money every month and have to borrow from friends and family, sometimes having to skip meals to make sure their daughter is fed. If the government decides to cut the welfare budget in the Spending Review, that would be "absolutely heartless", she says. "It's one thing to make sure the country's growing and we aren't wasting money and people aren't taking advantage of the system. "It's another thing if you aren't giving more support to help people out of poverty and help them look for work," she says. Above all she and her partner want stable jobs so they can "build up their lives". "So many times we haven't eaten and we're worried about tomorrow," she says. "I just want this situation to change." As a GP and practice partner earning £96,000 a year, Dr Kirsty Rogerson says she is aware she is well-off. She and her husband, a hospital consultant, own their own house, and are putting some money aside to support their sons through university. But she sees plenty of people in her surgery in Sheffield who aren't so fortunate and face what she thinks are impossible choices. If she could choose one thing for the government to take action on it would be to subsidise fresh fruit and vegetables and make processed food more expensive. "What [the government] shouldn't be doing is just tackling it at the other end with weight loss drugs," she says. "That's going to bankrupt the NHS." She would also like to see more money spent on public services. "As a mother, I'd rather pay more tax and know my children were being well educated and there's a good healthcare system," says Dr Kirsty Rogerson. The same goes for the police. "I'd rather go to bed each night knowing those things were there," she says. Sylvia Cook, 72, used to sell accounting software, then published books about Greece, before she retired. Living on a pension of £20,000 means being careful with her outgoings, so she welcomes the government's u-turn on winter fuel payments as "a good decision, if a little late". The extra £200 "obviously eases things", she says. But in general she thinks that rather than increasing spending, the government should look at where it can save money. "You can spend a lot of money and achieve nothing," she says. Instead she suggests changes to the tax system, efficiency savings across government and cutting perks for MPs and civil servants. "There are so many inefficient things they haven't got the common sense to sort out." The health service is a case in point she says. "Throwing more money at the NHS doesn't necessarily help if they don't sort that out," she says.
People on £10,000 to £96,000 tell us what they want from the Spending Review
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Public Perspectives on Spending Review Highlight Diverse Economic Concerns"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
This week, the UK government is set to announce its spending plans for the upcoming four years, impacting essential public services such as the NHS, education, and welfare benefits. In anticipation of this Spending Review, the BBC engaged with several individuals to gather their perspectives on what they hope to see from the government. Lewis Eager, a 26-year-old who works part-time in an on-demand delivery service, expressed his frustration at the job market, having applied for over 4,000 positions without securing a full-time role. He believes that the government should invest more in adult education and job creation to alleviate the crisis facing many young people who struggle to find stable employment. Resheka Senior, a nursery nurse, shared her concerns about the financial pressures of childcare while on maternity leave. Despite a combined household income of over £50,000, she and her husband are finding it difficult to manage their debts and living expenses. She advocates for increased support for working families, such as free childcare and afterschool programs, emphasizing the need for assistance rather than benefits, as they contribute to the economy through their work.
Other voices included Ollie Vass and Grace Sangster, a young couple who recently purchased a home. They highlighted the need for more support for first-time buyers and apprenticeships, as well as an increase in the tax-free allowance for low earners. Leah Daniel, a young mother reliant on Universal Credit, voiced her concerns about potential cuts to welfare spending, stressing the importance of stable jobs and support for families in poverty. Dr. Kirsty Rogerson, a GP, acknowledged her financial stability but pointed out the struggles faced by many of her patients. She called for government action to make healthy food more affordable and to ensure adequate funding for public services. Sylvia Cook, a pensioner, suggested that the government should focus on efficiency in spending rather than simply increasing budgets, advocating for a thorough review of public expenditure and tax reforms. The varied responses illustrate a wide array of concerns and hopes for the government's fiscal strategy, reflecting the diverse challenges faced by different segments of society.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article delves into the upcoming Spending Review by the government, highlighting the voices of citizens from varying income brackets. It serves to illustrate the concerns and needs of ordinary people regarding public spending on essential services. The stories of individuals like Lewis Eager and Resheka Senior shed light on the challenges faced by young people and families, respectively, reflecting a broader societal issue.
Public Sentiment and Government Accountability
By sharing personal narratives, the article aims to evoke empathy and a sense of urgency about the current economic climate. The inclusion of diverse perspectives—from a young job seeker struggling to find work to a family grappling with childcare costs—underscores the need for the government to prioritize public services in the Spending Review. This approach intends to hold the government accountable for its spending decisions, encouraging a response that addresses the concerns raised by citizens.
Potential Concealment of Broader Issues
While the article effectively highlights individual struggles, it may downplay systemic issues such as the overall economic environment, labor market trends, and government policies that contribute to these challenges. By focusing on personal stories, there is a risk of obscuring the larger structural problems that need addressing, leading to a somewhat narrow view of the economic landscape.
Manipulative Elements and Public Perception
The article utilizes emotional storytelling, which can be seen as a manipulative tactic to sway public opinion towards advocating for increased funding for public services. This method may skew perceptions by emphasizing individual hardship while potentially ignoring broader economic data that could provide a more balanced view.
Nature of the Information Shared
The content is grounded in real-life experiences, which lends it credibility. However, the selective nature of the stories shared could lead to a narrative that does not fully represent the diverse experiences of all citizens. The aim appears to be to create a sense of urgency and empathy, aligning public sentiment with calls for increased government spending.
Comparative Analysis with Other News Reports
In comparison to similar articles, this piece stands out for its focus on individual stories rather than statistical analysis. This storytelling technique could be a strategic choice to engage readers emotionally and draw attention to specific issues within public services.
Impact on Society and Economy
The narratives presented could influence public opinion and, ultimately, government policy regarding funding allocations. If the government responds positively to such stories, it could lead to increased investment in public services, potentially improving economic conditions for the individuals highlighted.
Target Demographic Engagement
The article seems to resonate with lower to middle-income families, young adults, and individuals facing financial hardships. It aims to engage those who are directly affected by the policies being discussed, thus fostering a sense of community among those sharing similar experiences.
Market and Economic Implications
While this article may not have direct implications for stock markets, increased government spending on public services could influence sectors such as healthcare, education, and public transportation. Companies operating in these areas might benefit from increased funding and investment.
Geopolitical Context
The article does not explicitly engage with broader geopolitical issues but reflects ongoing domestic concerns that could intersect with international economic discussions, particularly in light of inflation and labor market dynamics.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in crafting the article, particularly in analyzing public sentiment or filtering reader responses. However, the emotional depth of the narratives suggests a human touch in storytelling, indicating that while AI may assist, the core message is likely shaped by human reporters.
Conclusion on Reliability
The reliability of the article rests on its use of real stories, yet its selective focus and potential for manipulation through emotional appeal warrant a cautious approach. The piece effectively highlights pressing societal issues but may oversimplify broader economic complexities.