Covering basic costs is hard, and it’s getting worse

Harrison Cairns, Northampton Socialist Party

At the start of lockdown, as a key worker in the funeral industry, I faced difficulties paying for rent, food, a car, insurance, tax, fuel, phone and internet, like many others.

I also had minimum payments on debts incurred through desperation, rather than thoughtless spending. The possibility of covering everything became harder.

Yet that trial is being made harder still. With costs being passed down, instead of eating into the profits of shareholders, it’s us, the working class, who face the brunt.

When will it be too much? I have too often had to decide to cover my rent and go without food.

Will I be doing this again? It very much feels likely. Cutting down portions, finding the cheapest ingredients to get by, eating minimal amounts.

Without a new mass workers’ party to fight against the covetous acts of big business, instead accepted by a limp Labour opposition and encouraged by the self-indulgent Tories, no wonder there is little hope felt by those facing the worst of these price rises.