‘A drop in the ocean’

And just like that, in a whirlwind of political chaos, appeared from the smoke a Northern treasure who promises to do his best to fix all that is broken in our country. But are the solutions going far enough to fix the problem?

As part of Changing Realities, parents, like myself, have been watching the political news with vested interest. Since the appointment of Andy Burnham a few months ago, there has been some positive progress – a cap on bus fares, a reduction in VAT for electricity bills and, on the horizon, a potential halt to deceiving subscription traps.

It is no secret that for anyone stepping into power, it will be no mean feat to take on the monumental cost-of-living crisis, which has gripped the nation since 2020, and point blank refused to let go. Those hit the hardest then – and now – continue to be families on low incomes. It is imperative that we listen to their problems and suggested solutions, so the fixes are ones which will make the biggest impact.

What type of support, then, is needed to relieve some of the crippling pressure of just getting by for the average family? Most would agree, the reduction of 5% to 0% VAT on electricity bills is certainly a step in the right direction – but this equates to the average family saving of £45 a year, a drop in the ocean for many. Likewise, the freezing of bus fares is well received – however, many families cannot afford to fund what happens at the end of those bus journeys as days out are costly and crippling. If we then add on the expenses of suncream, sunhats, tubes and trains, there is hardly anything left. Parents on low incomes need more community access schemes available to them, so they can take their children out without worrying about the financial repercussions. 

READ MORE: When nothing works there’s lots to fix

Education does not end at school – nourishing time with family is arguably as important as a lesson in a classroom setting, and we must ensure family bonds are strengthened and struggles minimised during the prolonged time away from school. With the return to school only moments away, attention then turns to the purchase of school uniforms which can set parents back hundreds of pounds per child. With no nationalised school uniform grants, and support being a local authority lottery, I would argue it is time we looked at truly supporting parents with school-age children by providing each borough or council with a scheme to support the purchase of uniforms. The recent change in law from September will reduce the amount of branded uniform schools are asking parents to buy – but the cost of other items, like school shoes, might offset that saving.

Huge numbers of parents on low incomes, whose children are additionally reliant on free school meals to get through the day, have to find the money for an extra meal in school holidays – and some will be missing out on basic essentials as a result. Best Start centres, who once provided support for families are now few and far between, but were once a welcome place of respite for those who desperately needed extra support. The heatwave is also generally making it harder to leave the house and has compounded the mental health of parents like me and many others. We must make sure parents feel supported, not just financially but emotionally too.

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The good news is that there is attention being drawn to this area of struggle. A Prime Minister who is standing up and looking for tangible solutions is exactly what this country needs. We must not stop there, though. As wonderful as it is to see bus fares price capped, and a cut in some business rates, we must not forget those who are so often left behind – the people who cannot possibly see a way out of their struggle without active support from this government. Families on low incomes with children must not be forgotten, and they must always be considered when the government is looking at ways to resolve the cost-of-living crisis. 

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