Bring me sunshine: brit's biggest hope for next six months is better weather

• Weather overtakes health and wealth as Britain’s biggest hope
• Tired Brits want a holiday as much as they want more money
• But inflation, decreasing living standards, affordability and poor health are still the nation’s greatest fears
   

In the wake of the worst floods in recent history, new research1 reveals that better weather is now Britons’ number one hope for the coming six months.

The Direct Line ‘Hopes and Fears’ Index, which tracks the nation’s aspirations and concerns, found that better weather (cited by 47 per cent of respondents) comes above hopes relating to money, health, economic recovery and staying in employment over the next sixth months.

According to the study, the same percentage of Brits hope to take time out for a holiday or short break as have their financial situation improve, with 46 per cent citing these as key hopes. Good or improved health for themselves and loved ones is also a key aspiration for 44 per cent.

Highlighting the diversity of priorities across the nation, more people cited weight-loss (35 per cent) as one of their main hopes than economic recovery (25 per cent).

Source: Direct Line, 2014

The nation’s greatest fear for the immediate future is their health and the health of loved ones, with 45 per cent citing this as one of their main concerns. Money worries are however still extremely prevalent, with 30 per cent concerned about making ends meet, 26 per cent worrying about inflation and a further 26 per cent fearing a drop in their standard of living.

Highlighting the impact of the recent floods on  homeowners across the UK, 54 per cent of those who own their properties cited weather as one of their greatest hopes, compared to just 32 per cent of those who live in private rented accommodation.

Christine Webber, Harley Street psychotherapist and health writer, commented: “After the wet winter we’ve endured over the last few months and the storm damage that has impacted on people nationwide, it’s perhaps not surprising that the survey’s respondents have prioritised their desire for some good weather. The desire for a bit of sun has even overtaken an improvement in finances as people’s top hope for the coming months.

“Clearly however, financial matters are still a huge worry for people. Indeed, for the under 55s, ‘an improved financial situation’ is right at the top of their wish list. But, the desire to change jobs or find work has dropped some way down the list of hopes, which might suggest that people are more optimistic this year about employment.

“This index shows that we are remarkably resilient and optimistic. And despite the complexity of our lives in 2014, our top priorities are actually quite simple: we want good weather, enough money to provide for our families, and good health for ourselves and those closest to us.” 

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Katie Pugh

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 282 2914

E-mail: katie.pugh@citigatedr.co.uk

Claire Foster 
Direct Line Press Office  
Tel: 0165 183 1672 
Mob: 07900 217 264 
Email: claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk

Notes to editors:

[1].  Opinium Research conducted an online survey from the 28th February – 3rd March 2014 – 2001 UK adults aged 18+. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria
 

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