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Yorkshire man trends after saying soaring living costs take ‘nearly half’ his salary
He says even "small luxuries" such as a beer or a meal out now "threaten to swallow a chunk" of his income - to the point where he feels he can't go out.
A West Yorkshire man has been trending online this week after speaking to The Guardian about how 40% of his salary goes on 'soaring' house costs - adding that energy bill rises have cut massively into his savings.
33-year-old Band 6 NHS worker Joshua Wheeler-Gaunt, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, told the newspaper that he is increasingly worried about rising costs of living.
He also said that he feels he might need to leave the UK to be able to afford to start a family.
Mr. Wheeler-Gaunt currently works in quality assurance for an NHS unlicensed medicines manufacturer, with a pay grade of between £32,000 and £39,000 a year.
However, despite acknowledging his salary is 'above average' he says even "small luxuries" such as a beer or a meal out now "threaten to swallow a chunk" of his income - to the point where he feels he can't go out.
“I think my energy bills are up by about £15 a month when compared with last summer, which will be more like £40 or £50 once it gets colder," he said.
"Water rose by about £60 a year, council tax by a few pounds a month …. Each one eats into your spare income.
"I’d say about 40% of my salary is easily gone on house costs – mortgage, council tax and bills – before considering any maintenance or improvements.”
Explaining that he lives alone, he added that any rise in costs chips away significantly at what he can save - meaning if his "knackered" boiler goes he won't be in such a good place to be able to replace it.
"I used to live in Switzerland, where the cost of living is more balanced and you feel like there is actually a future,” he added, saying that the situation here adds another element of stress and that he is considering leaving the country in order to be able to afford to have a family.
It comes as industry experts are warning of steep rises to household energy bills, with the Financial Times reporting that they will go up by "more than £550 a year if the price of gas stays at its current level" and the government do not intervene.
The FT also reports that at least five energy retailers in the UK have gone out of business since the beginning of August.
Feature image - Joshua Wheeler-Gaunt
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd September 2021 
