(15 Sep 2022, 10:01 am)Adrian wrote I don't intend to turn the thread into a discussion on poverty, but in reply to this; it's not stretching it at all, when you have almost 15 million people living in poverty in the UK. You might find it easy to say what you believe people should be doing differently, but the reality of it is much different - which you'll find out from talking to people and trying to understand.

Anyone who isn't living under a rock would have seen how energy bills have risen this year, which often leaves those living in poverty (and using pre-payment meters) the choice between energy or food. They struggle to forecast whether they need energy credit, and the outcome of that factors what budget they'll have for food and other essentials.

Of course, there's sometimes an educational disadvantage, which can impact decision making. But isn't as simple as telling people they should budget better, plan meals or do a weekly shop, when they're living on so little money.

Again also sorry to continue this one but I feel I have to come back on this.

I’m not dismissing poverty far from it, I’m also not dismissing the cost of living crisis with food bills rising and energy bills even more so. All I’m saying is that I can’t see shutting Tesco for one day having any sort of impact. And certainly not the level it seemed you tried to imply. 

I am lucky that I’m not someone who is worrying that my electric will go off or worrying where the next meal is coming from, so I appreciate I speak from a place of ‘somewhat’ privilege, but I’m also someone has seen the other side. I’m from a working class area where these struggles are real. I’m not sitting in an ivory tower like you seem to accuse me of. All I am saying is that I’m not sure are struggling families and individuals will struggle any more due to the fact Aldi and Sainsbury's are closed for one day. Surely they can get to the shops the day before? In fact there may be some good deals on Sunday with reduced items that won’t be able to get sold on the Monday. And as I think I mentioned, I’m sure most Asda stores are actually opening at 5pm on Monday so anyone who does need essentials can go then. 

One thing I will agree on is there is education barriers to things such as financial advice and this is where sometimes things such as PHSE in schools needs to be off focus too and not just after thought after English, Maths and Science.