A recent report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) warns that the UK is at risk of re-emerging as a 'two nation' state akin to the Victorian era due to the severe repercussions of
Covid-related lockdowns on the nation's social structure.
According to the report titled "Two Nations: The State Of Poverty In The UK," there exists a stark division between the prosperous and an 'underclass' disproportionately affected by mental health issues and poverty. Approximately 13.4 million individuals in Britain endure lives marked by familial instability, stagnant incomes, inadequate housing, chronic illnesses, and criminality, the CSJ outlines.
The investigation underscores that the most marginalized have seen no improvement in their circumstances over the past 15 years, indicating a parallel to conditions post the financial crash. It further contends that transitioning from welfare to employment often proves futile for many.
The study reveals that the pandemic exacerbated the disparity between the socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged segments of society. Lockdown measures resulted in a substantial rise in domestic abuse helpline calls, increased mental health challenges in young people, escalated school absenteeism, a surge in welfare claims, heightened addiction support needs, and intensified prison confinement.
The report emphasizes a growing chasm between those able to manage and individuals trapped at the bottom of the social ladder. While six in 10 from the general populace affirm a good quality of life in their areas, this endorsement dwindles to fewer than two in five amongst the most deprived.
Regarding mental health, the report highlights a troubling escalation in clinically recognizable issues among children and young adults. It forecasts a potential surge in mental health disorders among 5 to 15-year-olds, estimating as many as 2.3 million affected by 2030. Moreover, it anticipates a staggering 108% rise in mental health disorders among boys by the same year due to the ramifications of lockdown measures.
The report's findings spotlight that improved mental and physical health, following increased benefits, is pivotal for the most deprived individuals. Approximately 40% of the most disadvantaged individuals report grappling with mental health conditions compared to just 13% of the general population.
Lord King, a former Bank of England governor involved in producing the report, underscores the significance of family support in curbing deprivation, emphasizing the need for strategies targeting the root causes encompassing education, employment, debt, addiction, and family dynamics.
Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, emphasizes the urgency for comprehensive strategies beyond financial redistribution, addressing multifaceted aspects like education, employment, debt, addiction, and family dynamics.
The report includes insights from a poll of 6,000 individuals, including 3,000 from the general population and 3,000 from lower-income brackets. Additionally, it draws from consultations with over 350 small charities, social enterprises, policy experts, and visits to multiple UK locations.
Key concerns highlighted in the report encompass crime, deteriorating faith in the justice system, substandard housing, and escalating substance addiction issues. Both the general populace and the deprived cite crime as a primary concern, with the most marginalized expressing amplified worries regarding housing quality and community disintegration due to addiction problems.
The report concludes that despite an overall decrease in crime rates, violent crimes remain high, and there's a concerning rise in unresolved court cases, undermining public trust in the justice system. Furthermore, it indicates a decline in confidence among victims reporting crimes, exacerbating the perception of inadequate justice.