I would say that granny is an excellent source for info on how the people would be affected. I would also consider the effect of armed groups. For example, consider the IRA. As horrible as I find their actions, they could provide an interesting twist in your storyline. Do they join one side or the other? Do they merely take advantage of the situation? If what I have read about English politics is true, there are many political and even terrorist groups who could provide some twists.