The polls are closed. Real life begins.

The election is over. Now what?

I am sure that we will all ask ourselves this question at some point in the coming months and years. In the past few years it seems we have been bombarded with slogans, tag lines and hashtags.

Does anything change?

We will all continue to manage our own mini economies, trying to balance the books whilst endeavouring  to better our lives in small enriching ways. We will be horrified by the insidious face of terror in modern times, which appears to have no regard for innocence. We will marvel at the freakish nature of politics, forever surprising us with the phenomenon of "Fake News" and "alternative facts".

As a disabled person living in Britain, I am acutely aware of the disconnect that exists in politics today. They promise to promote inclusion while grappling the gulf of public finances. Some would tell you that the solution  is an easy one, simply tax rich people and the “Land of Milk and Honey” will flourish. 

Entrepreneurship has propelled this small island to become a world leader in technology, science and the arts. Should we punish people for being a success? Absolutely not! Surely all demographics should pay a little more to enhance society? The Nordic nations pay considerably more income tax than the U.K, resulting in well funded forward looking public services. British people collectively believe in the utilitarian values of the NHS, yet are opposed to any tax increases in order to keep up with the demands of an ever ageing population. Consequently politicians will do anything to avoid using that dreaded word, taxation. When taxes inevitably rise people are shocked, making no connection between the modernisation of society and the burden this places on the public purse. 

We have to change our perception of "Public Services". We need to stop treating taxes like a dirty word, that thing that other people should pay for, not me. I am not excluding myself from this. I firmly support an end to all free prescriptions, as this would help to start addressing the enormous black hole we have in the NHS. Everyone would pay a small monthly fee which would go towards their future or current health and social care costs. 

We need to get used to paying more for the things we hold dear.