Great British Benefits Handout

[dunnitall]

I looked for a thread for this but couldn't find one, did anyone watch it on Channel 5 and if so, what are your comments?

[Mamyalynne]

There was a mention, not many replies - I haven't seem it.


http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1472501.html

[Mamyalynne]

or seen it either.

[andy-hughes]

I didn't see it, but past experience, and the title, infer that this is another 'point and gasp' set up that simply winds up legal tax payers and UK citizens - but obviously that is an assumption only.

[hc4361]

I've recorded it and will watch it later. I'm hoping the three families will do well.

[dunnitall]

Thanks for replies. Yes it is a point and gasp thing but also a social experiment. However, I don't think they chose the 'best people' however if they had it wouldn't have made 'good tv' so the types chosen will generate the ....,What The Funicular.....and the editors and producers know the score. Mind you, I still have to watch the series as I need to see what (predictable) outcome is there. You can help some people...others are a lost cause IMO.

[dunnitall]

Probably right DB.... But one always hopes for the best. IMO....they don't have the nous to deal with things out of their comfort zone. They don't have the capacity to see that priority first is to get a job, pay off their debts and bring money in. The lump sum should be...IMO...a back up, not summat to live off, that will not work!

[silliemillie]

I liked it, am certainly looking forward to next week.

Did make me laugh when the husband said "I bought (wife) a couple of Doves so she's happy".

Thought to myself what a strange thing to buy but maybe she's always wanted some.

He then went on to say "So she smells nice now!"

Laughed my socks off.

[pusskin]

Agree with sillymilly! Was good programme and look forward to next week.
Amazing how people handle money in different ways of priority!

[silliemillie]

OMG! Tony wants to start a business including, removals, car booting and furniture dealing. Makes big deal that he needs a van to do all this stuff (very true), even goes and buys one.

Just one small flaw in this idea....he can't drive! Doh! These people are deluded.

[hc4361]

He really panicked when he got the council tax bill, and it was only for a couple of months. He had no idea.

[silliemillie]

Yes, he couldn't believe it was correct. Welcome to the really world Tony.

[hc4361]

That haircut transformed his wife. I can't imagine what the younger, single mum will do for a living.

[dunnitall]

I was amazed about Tony saying get the van because at least we can start things straight away! Then found out he can't even drive....honestly if he had a brain he'd be dangerous. I must admit I am enjoying seeing how the families cope, just wish they had been coached at least into the real world seeing that they are so used to benefits, not fair as they don't seem to have a clue. I hope they do well...but being a cynic over such matters....I have my doubts. Hope I'm wrong, maybe the single mother will do better than the other two 'clients', trouble is it makes good TV if they are ne'er do wells I suppose....

[hc4361]

There is no real incentive to succeed. Provided they can show the authorities that the money was spent in trying to start up a business or a new career, they can go straight back on to benefits when it runs out.

As you say, dunnitall, I would have preferred the families to have been coached in what the reality of coming off benefits means. The rates, water rates, council tax; the real cost of renting retail premises and setting up business including public liability insurance and business rates, income tax and NI. Left to flounder so we can laugh at their naivety and ignorance.