As can be expected, a country that had been at war from September 1939 to May 1945 now faced a number of difficulties.

Economic

• Great Britain’s declining economy was unable to match the USA.
• Pressures of demobilised soldiers needing jobs.
• Shortages of food and vital materials meant rationing had to continue.
• By 1945, Britain’s reserves of gold had fallen from £864 million to £3 million
• Britain had lost 30 per cent of its total wealth

Social

• Rising divorce rates.
• Food shortages and long queues.

Housing

• Towns and cities, such as Swansea and Coventry, were heavily bombed.
• 20 per cent of schools/houses were destroyed or in need of repair.
• Thousands lost their homes, and many slept in army camps short term.
• Housing demands due to soldiers returning to civvy street.
• Poor standard of housing, such as a lack of running water.