Benefit System

[Eastender]

For all the people that earn a honest crust, wave the flags and cheer, at last a shake up in the Benefit system. Or do you feel its to late?

[4getmenot]

I dont earn an honest crust, because I was made redundant and am glad that there is a benefit system to help me out at the moment, and I'm sure all those that are too ill to work will be thankful too

[jake-the-peg]

Well it's getting to be a bit familliar isn't it?

Government: "We're going to fix this big prolem"
People: "Hurray"
Government:"We're going to put you all in control"
People: "Horray"
Government:" We're considering several options forming a comittee and we'll let you know how we get on in a whitepaper in six months time - oh and it will cost a load of money to set up but it'll be better in the long run - honest"

[Eastender]

I'm not talking about people made redundant or people that are genuine claiming sickness. Its the ones who dont want to work and have no intention of ever doing so.

[jake-the-peg]

But the real problem isn't that it's that the benefit system is rigged so that it often costs people more to work than not.

This seems to be the stunning discovery talked about today.

I clearly remember it being the stunning discovery made by Tony Blair's new government and the two Governments before him.

So if everybody has known that this has been a problem for 30 years why hasn't it been fixed?

Because it's difficult!

So I look to see who is going to solve this intractable problem that has defeated a generation of politicians - and who do I see?

Ian Duncan-Smith - a man with such leadership that his party wouldn't even let him fight a General election before they knifed him in the back.

Perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised but my expectations are somewhat inevitably muted.

<Stands back ready for the howls of abuse from the IDS fan club>

<or not>

[scotman]

JTP

I am neither an IDS fan nor a Conservative supporter but just because he was a VERY poor leader it does not follow that he is incapable of rational thought.

[rov1200]

I think there is a flaw in IDS's scheme. If those unemployed do take a job not only will they receive the wage for the job but an additional amount from the government. But if they are competing with people who are not on benefits they will be paid a different rate and which will be very unfair.

[rov1200]

The solution is whether you use the carrot or the stick to get these long term unemployed back to work. If you use the carrot by giving them extra money it could be a drain on our finances.

Using the stick is probably the best option. It may seem hard to withdraw benefits especially if a family is involved. Therefore a warning that the benefit will cease in a short period of time hence will concentrate his/her mind. Vouchers and soup kitchens should be made available for those most in need.
With 1.4million having been on benefits for over 9 years seems incomprehensible. They need a rocket up their 'elbow!

[boxtops]

I'll believe when I see it, and when I see it working.

[New Judge]

This earlier question:

http://www.theanswerb...s/Question921068.html

touches on the topic.

Where suitable work is available the calculation (work vs benefits) should not be wages compared to benefits, but wages compared to nil – which is what would be paid if the suitable work is not undertaken.

That may produce some different results.

[Sly,Duck]

How many hours a week will this man have to work to pay his £2000 a week rent if he gets a job on the minimum wage ( don't forget his child benefit )

http://www.thisislond...l-the-rules-change.do

[Sly,Duck]

Read the letters in my link to the Evening Standard, this sums it up great.

If anybody is in any doubt why economic refugees are travelling through 30 different countries to get to the UK, perhaps you now know the answer.

[dothawkes31]

but what jobs? where does this work come from, people who have worked for 30 years in the building trade and never known what 'unemployment' is can't find work within their skilled trade, is the government expecting 50 year old mastercraftsmen who are now 'long term' unemployed cos the government decided not to build dozens of new schools to retrain as computer engineers or something? It's one thins telling someone they have to find a job, but there has to be a job to find. The self-employed master craftsman still as a mortgage to pay and bills, how is taking their benefit away going to get him in work if his address is 'no fixed abode'?

[sandyRoe]

The benefits that you might see in a story in the Mail or Express are the exception rather than the rule. A single person will receive just over £60 a week JSA. It doesn't go far.

[dothawkes31]

thing is that £60 is payable to a person with a spouse or partner workin full time, but if they have a mortgage that was based on their joint income what happens then? It's people in a later stage of their working life that are hardest hit, the scroungers and young adults who have always had benefit and manage to live off it are not going to feel the impact, those with a life time of contributions and financial commitment through their own hard graft are going to be hit the hardest. can you imagine what mental anguish people in that situation must go through?

[SnakeEyes]

If you have a spouse or partner workin full time you only get that money for a few months dot then it is up to your spouse or partner to help keep you until you find work.

[brionon]

There are 2 million unemployed,let's punish 'em !! Typical Tory-Attack the weak !

[R1Geezer]

Jake - "It's difficult" - err no it's very simple, no free money for workshy layabouts. State provides food and shelter only. No money for fags and white lightning, sorted! Clearly the wisdom of the geezer os strong today!

[sara3]

if I made the benefits rules I'd do this.. for a first ever claim, you can get benefit for the children you already have. any you choose to have after that you fund yourself. my wages never increased when I had my kids.

I know that has to be balanced against child poverty, but they could be directed to their GP for a compulsory contraceptive implant.

Human Rights Act? what's that? lol ;o)

[bobjugs12]

I can understand peoples passion over the benefits system, and as a child I grew up in that enviroment after my dad was made redundant.

Problem is, the system I grew up in is completely different to the system there is today. I know all sorts of different people, in all sorts of situations who have been forced to claim benefits, some I genuinely feel sorry for, others I wouldn't Fosters on if they were on fire.

However, and I know this will sound harsh but, why is it my responsiblity to ensure that Mr and Mrs X's mortgage is paid, or why Miss Y can buy christmas presents, or Mr Z has enough money to be able to have an occasional treat in life.

These things are luxuries, the benefits system should cover only the things that are neccessities. Nobody ever died from losing their home, nor has a child ever been taken ill as a result of not having christmas presents. As a result I believe that benefits should be paid via vouchers, and should only cover basic food, drinks, and clothing, and any other VITAL items needed to remain healthy.

Just my opinion though :)