The commodity-money situation in Ukraine: the cost of living

Since 2014, the standard of living in Ukraine has fallen sharply. The subsistence minimum, approved by the government for 2016, clearly does not correspond to the amount of money needed to meet the most minimal needs of citizens.

"About the subsistence minimum"

To date, the law "On the subsistence minimum" adopted by the Supreme Council of Ukraine (No. 966-14 of 15.07.1999) is in force in the country, which establishes the basic principles for the formation of a living wage (PM) as the monetary equivalent of the price of a minimum set of products for a month, and A certain volume of non-food goods and services for citizens. In Ukraine, the subsistence minimum for today is less than 1500 hryvnia.

That is, in the minimal consumer basket, contrary to the opinion of many, food is not given an exclusive place. Non-food products are usually referred to as clothing and utensils, electrical equipment. The central bodies of executive power establish standards that simply degrade the dignity of their citizens. The range of services includes the citizens' satisfaction of the most minimal needs in terms of providing a living space, organizing the surrounding life (buying things), using transport (fare), the possibility of visiting educational and medical institutions, ensuring compliance with social norms for the use of public services (gas, water, Heat, garbage disposal, etc.).

What is the cost of living in Ukraine?

We will analyze the growth dynamics of the PM in the state since 2010 (the time when President Viktor Yanukovych came to power). Between 2010 and 2012 inclusive, the minimum number each year increased. This method of increasing the level of satisfaction of the minimum demands of citizens is characterized as a progressive and systematic development of the well-being of citizens.

For example, in 2010 the growth was 4 times (from 825 UAH to 875 UAH). Note that 875 UAH. In the beginning of 2010 were quite a good amount. In 2011, the living wage in Ukraine also increased 4 times and grew to 953 UAH per year. In 2012, the trend remained (the increase occurred 5 times to 1,095 UAH.). 2013 brought some deterioration of the economic situation in the country. The minimum changed only twice and reached 1176 UAH. During the four years of President Yanukovych's rule, the price of the minimum subsistence basket increased by 351 UAH. Of course, it was difficult for people to exist at 1,176 hryvnia, but, in principle, suited the population such a size of the subsistence level.

Ukraine did not change the value of the PM until August 31, 2015. It was during this period after the revolution that the majority of the citizens of the country became impoverished.

What changed in 2016

The Law of Ukraine "On the State Budget for 2016" provides for a gradual (beginning from August 2015) increase in the PM and bringing it in December 2016 to an indicator of 1496 UAH. The economic bloc of the government is a violation of the principle of gradualness.

Consider the breakdown of the minimum indicators for different categories of the population as of May 1, 2016. So, the total figure is 1399 UAH. The minimum needs of children under the age of 6 can be satisfied for 1228 UAH., According to the government, children from 6 to 18 years - for 1,531 UAH., Able-bodied persons - for 1450 UAH., And disabled persons - for 1130 UAH. In some cases, not enough.

Here is a living wage in Ukraine today.