‘I feel let down’: An online forum listening exercise revealing how people are talking about financial hardship

This report marks the fifth wave of partnership between Demos and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) to surface insights from people experiencing financial hardship, using innovative online forum listening methods. Following four waves of research conducted in 2024 – including ‘This system is rigged’, ‘Fight like hell!’, ‘It can’t get any worse’, and the retrospective analysis in ‘I Need Help Now’, this latest instalment provides a new lens on evolving public sentiment during a time of political transition.

This research captures how those facing financial hardship responded to the early months of the new Labour government, finding shock, anger, and fear following the government’s Spring benefits overhaul. The emerging themes shine a light on the enduring financial, social, personal and physical challenges facing people in receipt of benefits and those living with disabilities. These insights point to a clear opportunity for the government ahead of the June vote: pause and engage with those most affected, and take the opportunity to rebuild trust.