that all tallies with my experience of living in a low-income area.
It is well known and very evident from the way people talk that the only people in the area with disposable income are pensioners. The combination of triple-locked reliable income, no dependents, and relatively low housing costs (often one-bedroom council housing - the only kind not bought out) make a clear difference. They plan holidays, have lunch out, talk about hobby supplies they've bought, etc.
Everyone else is always on the lookout for ways to afford the demanded gadgets, cheap food, and cheap or free things to keep the kids busy - especially if the kids get fed. There is a constant tension in the air and they often just don't talk directly about money, like they can make the problems not exist. If they do, it's always either pride in a bargain or self-deprecating comments about being rubbish with money.
