[mellosouls]

Thanks, yes, and I agree the UK has been on a downward path for a considerable time; I don't blame anybody for trying to find somewhere they will be happier - and warmer :) - it's the materialistic worship at the centre of a lot of our problems (reflected in the values of empty salary-chasing) that bothers me.

[antisthenes]

If the services are around you are deteriorating, then by definition you need more money to access the type of services that used to exist at the level you are used to.

So I'm not sure empty salary-chasing is as empty as you make it seem. Sometimes salary chasing is just trying to keep up with inflation in order to make sure your family maintains a decent standard of living.

Unless I completely misunderstood your post, in which case disregard everything I said.