More and more are struggling to make ends meet. Christell worries about the economy every day – and allows herself to be provoked by the rhetoric of several politicians. Photo: Emilie Rydning / VG
SARPSBORG (VG) Christell (38) took two of the children to the cinema. She regretted it for days.
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A family of five lives in a small, Christmas-decorated house outside Sarpsborg.
They are part of a constant increasing statistics – households with poor means.
The mother of the family, Christell Fløisbonn, receives disability benefits at the minimum rate. The man works in a low-paid occupation in the furniture industry.
– It is not us who have it worst. But we notice it more and more now, that we have nothing left, says Christell.
They have previously received help from a financial advisor to set up a budget. Each month, Christell plots how much they have to spend the following month. She spends a lot of time with the calculator.
When fixed expenses such as loans, electricity and insurance have been paid, there is not much left. They try to reduce food consumption as far as possible, but with three children, there is a limit to how much they can save on food.
– What do you have to prioritize away that you wish you could include in the budget?
– For my own part, there are things like being able to get a haircut at the hairdresser’s. And then it would have been nice to be able to go on activities with the children.
– How often do you worry about the economy and think about it?
– Often. All the time, every day.
A while ago, Christell was at the cinema with two of the children.
– It was very pleasant, but then I felt guilty and regretted it afterwards.
– Why?
– Because I know that the money could have gone to other things, now that it is almost Christmas. But then there is something about spoiling the children a little too.
It’s ready for Christmas at home. But with Christmas also comes worries. Photo: Emilie Rydning / VG
Many struggle – and dread Christmas
In the past, the family has coped well with father working a lot of overtime. He does not have the opportunity to do so now, due to the economic situation in the industry.
At the same time, prices are increasing for most things. And Christmas is approaching.
In March 2023, 18 per cent answered that they had financial challenges in one examination carried out by Oslomet. That is more than twice as many as two years earlier.
At the end of November, UNICEF arrived Christmas surveywhich shows that 600,000 Norwegians dread Christmas because of the economy.
Christell wants to talk openly about her family being one of these, because she feels that it applies to more and more people.
– I think it is a very important matter. That we also have to be seen, says Christell.
Christell spends a lot of time calculating the family’s expenses. Photo: Emilie Rydning / VG
In recent years, it is the electricity price and food prices that have had the hardest impact on the family’s finances.
– The food item in the budget has almost doubled in the last three years, says Christell and adds:
– Our salaries have not done that.
Christell has followed the debate that has raged about the labor line for the past year, and has allowed herself to be provoked by how politicians talk about “people like her” – those who do not work and are disabled.
– Condescending
– I think they speak a little condescendingly, in such a way that they have an attitude that we are lazy and that we does not stand up in the morning. We who are sick have no problem getting up in the morning. And then I think that yes, everyone should have been to work, but not everyone can. And the politicians need to understand that.
She adds:
– We’re not at home because it’s fun, and we don’t necessarily want to. But we don’t have the health to work.
The mother of three also reacts strongly to Labor Minister Tonje Brennas (Ap) statements that some stand in the food queue because they have to, while others because they can.
– I don’t think anyone volunteers in the food queue for fun. I think that the road will be longer for those who may be reluctant to queue for food now.
Fløisbonn’s family has never had to stand in a food queue.
– But if we had got there, I would have probably had her thoughts in my head before I left. And maybe thought that those in front needed it more than me, and that I should give up my place.
– I’m listening
VG has asked Labor Minister Brenna to respond to the criticism. The answer comes from State Secretary Kjetil Vevle, who says that we are undoubtedly living in challenging times.
– I listen to what Christell says, and I think we must constantly see if there is room for improvement in our system. No one should go hungry in Norway, and no one should have to make use of food distribution. We must have a welfare state that provides security for everyone. Also in the demanding times we are going through now. Those who need help should go to NAV.
Vevle further writes that being in work is good for the individual, and it is good for society.
– But if we are to secure those who cannot work, both today and for a long time to come, many will probably have to work.
The State Secretary points out that in the budget agreement with SV, the government is increasing the minimum rates for disability benefits and work clarification money.
Christell says that she does not dare to believe until she possibly sees the money in her account, and that she hopes it will not be “eaten up” by more tax.
The cat Link got sick last week and had to go to the vet. – Then there are other things that go wrong, notes Christell. Photo: Emilie Rydning / VG
– Not good
Christell has voted for the Labor Party once before.
– It was when they said that everyone was going to join, and that it was going to be so much better for families with children.
– How do you think they have delivered on that?
– Not good. We have two children who wear glasses, for example. We notice that the glasses support has almost disappeared.
– What specifically could the politicians do to help your family?
– The minimum rates on benefits should be increased up to the poverty line. Unless they have a miracle cure that makes us well enough to go to work, that’s the solution. Everyone deserves a dignified life.
Christell’s husband has read through this report, and supports his wife speaking out.
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Published: 10.12.23 at 16:23
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2023-12-10 15:23:08
#struggle #financially #day
