Mamyalynne at 13.30., Something on the lines of 'If you don't know a person with a plasma TV etc. etc. you are lucky'. I don't know anyone like that who doesn't pay for it themselves..
I don't have a large screen TV, I don't have a smartphone or tablet, I don't have any of that trendy stuff. I manage to live quite happily and my income is below the limit for Universal Credit. I even manage to give to others out of it (just made a cake which will raise money for a good cause).
People need to learn what is essential. Rent (or mortgage), heating, rates, food (the bill can be quite small if you learn to cook) and transport (again, plan your journeys and achieve as much as you can in one trip). I'm really not trying to be 'holier than thou' it's just that this is how I was raised - you don't waste money, resources etc.. Youngsters need to take this on board. They really don't need a lot of stuff they think is essential.