I'm very working class. Almost everyone I know outside of work is either unemployed or retired so I don't think it's that.

Like you I'm personally worse off for sure with tax increases and mortgage increases, but obviously most people don't have mortgages, pay much tax, and most people get help with things like fuel bills.

I guess I'm just surprised that given how much extra money the average person is getting that the economy is doing so poorly. You're right, I might be out of touch though... All I'm saying is that this doesn't align with what I see personally, and I'm surprised given the extra income most people are getting that there isn't more economic activity, but clearly I'm wrong.