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AIBU?

To ask you to object to this? Pre-paid benefits cards

316 replies

LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 19:19

a step too far

We're talking about human beings.

Thanks Arsenic and those that have already signed.

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LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 19:30

.

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GratefulHead · 01/10/2014 19:32

Already signed.

I do think it is proposed for the most rare cases who might well benefit but it's the thin end of the wedge and the start of softeningn society up for wholesale roll out with no doubt the contract for administering it going to the biggest bum chum the Tory party has at that point.

kimlo · 01/10/2014 19:34

Ive signed it. The whole idea is making me angry.

LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 19:35

Cheers Grateful

You can share on FB as well if you're on it?

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joanofarchitrave · 01/10/2014 19:35

Signed

LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 19:36

Thanks kimlo

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LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 19:36

And joan

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ChildrenOfTheDamned · 01/10/2014 19:46

Signed. IDS is a fucking arsewipe as are his pals.

I don't see why I should have to justify my spending and be limited to certain shops and services just because I have the misfortune to be on benefits and not born with a silver spoon stuck up my arse.

stubbornstains · 01/10/2014 19:50

Signed.

This doesn't seem to be thought out at all.

There are some benefit claimants- a very small minority- who spend all their money on drink and drugs. I wonder if anybody at the DWP has any idea what happens if a severe alcoholic suddenly goes cold turkey, without medical support? They are at risk of severe and possibly fatal fits.

In the real world, of course, this would never happen, as said alcoholic would simply flog his prepaid card down the pub for half its worth, and go without food completely so he could keep to his regular alcohol intake Hmm

Perhaps if this government genuinely gave a shit about addicts, they would be investing in more desperately needed rehab facilities?

Except that they don't. The whole "addict" line is just a red herring to sell the idea to the Daily Mail readers, and they'll be trying to roll this out to cover normal families before you can blink.

EarSlaps · 01/10/2014 19:54

Signed.

What about the affect on local independent shops too? In some areas they could lose half their customers if they can't accept the pre-paid cards. Or what if people can't get to a Tesco/Asda, they're often inaccessible without a car.

stubbornstains · 01/10/2014 19:58

Tesco/ASDA are really bad value, I find, compared to LIDL, for example. AND they use Workfare Angry

caroldecker · 01/10/2014 20:00

do you have evidence for your petition, ie who it will impact and what will be allowed, specifically only Tesco and Asda
Also which bit of the human rights act does it breach?
Also evidence of 'every move being tracked'

I am generally against pre-paid cards, but would appreciate some evidence to support your alarming wording

cogitosum · 01/10/2014 20:03

I disagree with the concept but the technology is such that they'll be able to be accepted anywhere that takes standard debit cards so the argument that only big shops will accept them is a red herring. Even some carboot sales have card readers ( although there will be many who can't accept them). As I said I still disagree but I think it adds more power if the arguments are valid.

GaryShitpeas · 01/10/2014 20:04

Signed. Disgusting Hmm

PausingFlatly · 01/10/2014 20:12

Signed.

DontDrinkAndFacebook · 01/10/2014 20:14

I don't disagree with them in theory. Perhaps they should be reserved for people who have proved again and again that they are not capable of prioritising food for their children over drink and drugs for themselves.

I also disagree with you that they removes people's ability to budget. they don't affect a person's ability to do anything, except the ability to choose what they spend it on. Which is the whole point.

I'm not sure how they decide how much money should be spent on food per week though. I image the vouchers will be for a fairly minimal amount to ensure that everyone will at least buy the basics, and their children will not starve even if they spend the rest of their money unwisely.

I think it's wrong that they can only be redeemed in certain supermarkets. All supermarkets should take them.

ShadowsShadowsEverywhere · 01/10/2014 20:18

I've just shared this thread plus rant about the whole situ on fb. Unfortunately most people on my fb are unlikely to take the blindest bit of notice but I feel like I've done something. Someone, somewhere needs to mobilise the masses. Social media is amazing, and given the right determination I feel that it would be possible to get millions talking about this, objecting about the whole conservative grind the poor into the ground and piss on them campaign. I just don't know how we do it, or even where to start.

lougle · 01/10/2014 20:19

Signed

Nancy66 · 01/10/2014 20:19

I think the scheme has some merit. I don't agree with it as an 'across the board' policy but in some cases, especially irresponsible parents with kids, it would be a good idea.

LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 20:20

Caroldecker this is not my petition, it is one that was brought to my attention.

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LeftRightCentre · 01/10/2014 20:22

Signed. Irresponsible parents with kids should have them removed.

LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 20:22

Here is the thread that it originated from here

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ShadowsShadowsEverywhere · 01/10/2014 20:22

DontDrink, supermarkets are too expensive for a lot of benefit claimants. What about local markets, grocers, village produce swaps which is where all my food comes from? I would be able to afford to heat my home over the winter if I had to shop in supermarkets. The difference is vast - £70 tesco basics ranges down to £38 via methods mentioned above. That's £120 difference over 4 weeks.

ShadowsShadowsEverywhere · 01/10/2014 20:23

Bollocks should say "I wouldnt be able to afford to heat my home"

LuisSuarezTeeth · 01/10/2014 20:29

Thanks for your input nancy

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