Page 15 - Eagle Eye Summer 2022

The cost of living in 2022
By WO Hopkins, SWO
Although it seems that COVID-19 has abated, Britain has appeared to jump from one crisis to another. Our recent political focus on eastern European activity had brought to light effects much closer to home, the cost of living. The cost of living is defined as the average amount of money that is needed, in a particular place and time to buy basic goods or services, such as clothing, food, fuel, taxes, bills, education and entertainment. All of the things that you might regard as contributing to your standard of living. It is a fact that covering the cost of everyday expenses has become harder and you can’t always tell who is feeling the pinch. The cost of living is also linked to income, where those on a lower wage pay a greater percentage of their earnings to cover basic costs. Some costs are necessary and can’t be trimmed greatly. This is where those with family or home owners can feel the squeeze.
Amongst other reasons, post-COVID financial instability has caused average prices to rise by at least 9% within the last year alone, yet wages have stayed the same, effectively causing a pay cut. International food and energy supplies have been put under huge stress this year and the effects in this country are now clear to see. The UK government is able to implement some controls, such as adjusting VAT rates and applying windfall taxes to energy firms. However, the difference at the customers end is often not so tangible. Adjustments can be made to lessen the effect of the cost of living increases. These adjustments might be wages and benefits. Wages could go up to offset, and this is where the Defence
chiefs are engaging with government, to look at what can be done to improve the situation for Service people and their families. We await an announcement later this year on what incremental pay increase we may see within Defence, likely around September. Regardless of this, if you do feel that you are struggling now or are likely to do so, particularly as we approach the winter months, please engage with your line manager. They can liaise with Personnel Services Flight and provide appropriate signposting to support services. There is plenty of good advice online about coping with the cost of living increases. If you’ve not seen it before check out citizensadvice.org.uk. I know Air Command are keen to hear about examples where our people may be feeling that the tightening of belts is becoming uncomfortable. If you feel you need to, please feel confident to reach out.
Hire Rates
Full Day (EU Hire) - £50
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For more information and to book please contact:
Helen Martin-Andrews Ext 8799 or Siggy Hillman Ext 7198 Email: Helen Martin-Andrews100@mod.gov.uk
More information can be found on Sharepoint RAF Wyton Home.
Hire Rates
Hire Rates
Full Day (UK Hire) - £40 Full Day (EU Hire) - £50
Week (UK Hire) - £240 Week (EU Hire) - £275
Helen Martin-Andrews Ext 8799 or Siggy Hillman Ext 7198
Full Day (UK Hire) - £40 Week (UK Hire) - £240
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tin-Andrews100@mod.gov.uk
More information can be found on Sharepoint RAF Wyton Home.
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1/2 Day (UK Hire) - £35 1/2 Day (EU Hire) - £40
1/2 Day (UK Hire) - £35 1/2 Day (EU Hire) - £40
Full Day (UK Hire) - £40 FormoreWinforemaetioknan(dUtobKookHpleaisreceon)tac-t: £240 Helen Martin-Andrews Ext 8799 or Siggy Hillman Ext 7198
Full Day (EU Hire) - £50 Week (EU Hire) - £275
Email: Helen Martin-Andrews100@mod.gov.uk
More information can be found on Sharepoint RAF Wyton Home.
For more information and to book please contact:
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