Just out of interest what beer is that that costs 4.50? Perroni by any chance? Are you sure that is not just the most expensive pint? are most not still under the 4 quid mark. Still even at 4.50 or $7 that would be good value here in Melbourne for a pint.

And the charity shops are not just a Surrey/London thing, there must be 10 on my local high st here in Melbourne

We havent paid anywhere near that much for a pint, I cant imagine what beer could possibly cost that much to be honest.

There were loads of charity shops in the area we lived in and were apparently getting busier.

I know, it's outrageous. £4.50 for a Stella or Kronenberg and Peroni is £4.70. In fairness it's poshville prices (too posh for Carling!!!!). Go 1/2 mile down the road though and you can get a pint of Carlsberg or something more normal for £3.50.

I'm really struck by how the charity shops have gone so upmarket here. Barbour coats, Ralph Lauren ski-wear and as I mentioned some sell gift vouchers. We're used to our local Salvo's and Vinnies selling smelly old rollerblades!!!

No need to imagine Chris, just come to Esher. Bring lots of money.

No thanks, I'll stick to paying under 3 quid where we are

Some of our favourite old riverside walks are down that way

Hiya Paulry! Hows things going in Canberra, all settled / sorted? x

All very good thanks, everything has slotted into place at last

How are you?

No one says that it has to? None said that everyone was being pushed to the limit. Pomster's experiences may differ...she may know people in a different sector.

What did I say last week - macroeconomics and what you read in the paper is not what happens down the pub necessarily...and not everyone will disclose their finances with you..

Interesting that lots of people are saying that it's no cheaper perhaps after all and that it's much of a muchness...

this one will run mate.

That's a lot of money. It costs just over 200 dollars in Melbourne - and some people will earn twice in dollars what they earnt in pounds, and it does include buses and trams. My point about public transport being cheap here.

SW England is a different world to London and the SE - and indeed Brisbane...which is a different world in some ways to Melbourne...

A little hamlet or a village would be right up your alley - but there have been posters from the west country who have also seen some real decline that way.

If you're earning local wages 4.50 converts closer to $10 if comparing cost of living (2.2 rate).

As always it comes down to what you think is a fair rate, for some it's 2.2 for others it's 2 and still others I have seen talk about 2.5.

Of course, there will always be people with an opposing view.

I'm in the south west and there is very little dog mess or litter in my village. There are lots of bins here though

The rain for the past month has left people feeling down. It's the wettest drought in history! Sunny today though, long may it last.

The austerity cuts are beginning to bite and will get worse over the next year. People are generally talking about having less money for luxuries. The cost of fuel is astronomical.

Yet somehow, in many ways, life is no different. I still see my friends, go for walks, have a laugh with my family, and do all the other free things that keep me happy