Economic mess

When is that light at the end of the tunnel going to appear?

Now I'm not one to get political normally - but I, like millions of others, am just mystified by what is going on with the economy.

I want to know why nobody in government is looking at the issues that will actually help millions of people who are struggling to get by on a daily basis.

I've managed my own finances since I was 15 and have managed to stay out of heavy debt because I live within my means - if I can't afford something, I don't have it.

But the price of things these days means it is becoming increasingly difficult to do just that - my biggest single expense, that dwarfs other outgoings, is my rail ticket.

Now I know it is my choice to live where I do and commute, but I don't understand how our useless, badly-run and creaking rail system, justifies ripping commuters off to such an extent.

Oh yes I do. It is the shareholders and the wonders of privatisation. The worrying thing is that they are just allowed to get on with it and continue increasing prices every year to an eye watering level. It makes me want to scream.

Then of course you are taxed to the hilt on everything and subjected to soaring utility bills and food bills.

I am becoming more convinced that something drastic needs to happen to kickstart the economy again.

What that is I don't know. The growing tide of support for UKIP is an interesting move, but our poll this week shows the majority of the channel want things to stay as they are.

A good starting point would be to tackle the growing bugbear of corporate tax avoidance - (see my last blog post).

Osborne is about to embark on another round of cuts, and it is worrying where the axe is going to fall. Inevitably it is never in the right place.

But I'm glad politicians are getting a 20 per cent pay rise. So well deserved for the sterling work they have done so far. (Sarcastic? Me?)

2013 has been the hardest year I can remember so far - it beats 2004 and 2008 hands down. While a lot of people I speak to are seeing positive results and growth, every single one of them admits it is a lot harder work that it was in the past.

Nobody in our industry is afraid of hard work - but it really would be nice to see some positive economic news for a change.

I'll keep crossing my fingers.