I must be honest and say that I haven't actually lived in UK for a very,very long time, but I've always kept a little eye open on things happening back there! For quite a long time now, I've had this sensation that all is not well! TV, Radio, Tourist friends and visitors all confirm much of this sensation, and I've had the feeling that, financially, the UK is the bubble on the point of bursting! Over many years, as a German pensioner, I have watched other German pensioners (and pensioners from other EU countries) slowly struggle to get to grips with no increases (as was generally promised) but reductions in their Pensions for the last 6 years. The introduction of the Euro, with it's consequent price increases (in particular for services like water/gas/electricity and for Governmental services) certainly didn't help, but at least almost all of the countries involved had seen the arrival of large problems in the Pension sector, and were doing something about it! ...