That's exactly my point. 'More than most'. No-one seems to be able to discuss this rationally because they consider it normal and natural for everyone to be poo

That's exactly my point. 'More than most'. No-one seems to be able to discuss this rationally because they consider it normal and natural for everyone to be poor, serfs, renting from a lord. £34k is great, for a child. 25K or so after tax and student loan. A 1 BR flat costs almost ten times that. It is a great starting salary. A progression point. Perhaps OK for a couple, both earning the same, just about. (Not really, they still can't afford a flat, never mind anything suitable for a family).