to wish the changes on tax credits had of gone through

[madhurjazz]

They would of affected 1/5th of people on tax credits and that would of caused some issues in the short term so maybe some more help to transition was needed. But since that tax credits sad face woman on question time that was claiming them to run a salon in her lounge they u turned.

This has just resulted in cuts from other areas and not stopped the cuts at all.

Tax credits and housing benefit maybe a good idea for people in the short term. But many people are being long term subsidised and the main beneficiaries are the employers who get away with paying less and making more profits.

I'll probably get flamed for this but how can this country carry on racking up the debt? Its just going to create a greater financial burden on the future generations.

[SiaMia]

Yeah 1/5 of tax credit kids not eating or having the leccy on, fuck em. They can use their good old working class humour to warm themselves up.

[BWatchWatcher]

Picturing David Cameron at his pc, typing away and giggling...

[SiaMia]

I wonder about the mental health of someone wishing on shit circumstances happening to other people. Just why?

[mrschatty]

Lower wage earners who don't make enough to make end meet need this assistance!!! What do you want to see millions of kids on the street because they can't afford rent or begging for food because there parents can't afford to put food on the table??
I don't claim any tax credits or any benefits but I'm glad they exist for those who need them.

[ClopySow]

Stick in at school today kiddo, you might learn the difference between 'of' and 'have'

[callycat1]

I do think tax credits need reform. It's crazy they encourage people to work part time. I do understand how expensive childcare is and how much housing costs though.

[smallfox2002]

Yabu and aoso tax credits and hb are a small part of the overall spending of he nation.

We find money to subsidise grouse shooting, why shouldn't we find money to subsidise the poor?

[screweduppotatoe]

Let's just hope that one day you don't need Tax Credits in order to live.

[eyebrowsonfleek]

The easiest way to reform Tax Credits is to raise the minimum wage to a fairer amount like £12 an hour. Politicians would rather the tax payer subsidise businesses rather than businesses pay a fairer wage hence we will always have this system.

[mrschatty]

Agree with eyebrows

[GingerIvy]

Wow. Complete and utter disregard for those that are vulnerable. Have you considered politics as a career? Sounds like you have the mindset already.

[callycat1]

I agree with eyebrows too, but one question I do have, is what happened before tax credits. Was there, the dole and income support?

[Holdtheslaw]

I lost my job - I have two small children and we are completely on the bloody breadline! We literally do nothing! I don't rent so no hb (which has actually been reformed). But you're right - my children don't need to eat!
I haven't had any clothes of haircuts in years! My mum has to treat me to things, like a fucking child!
But yeah take it from me! You have no fucking idea
Congratulations - my first ever

[madhurjazz]

I agree cat. The minimum wage needs to be enough to live on without topups.

I do think tax credits need reform. It's crazy they encourage people to work part time. I do understand how expensive childcare is and how much housing costs though.

Exactly that, where I worked have people that don't want to be promoted or get any more hours as they won't be any better off. That isn't helping people IMO, its creating a dependency. High rents are party down to housing benefit, especially in London.

[Pisssssedofff]

I think over night minimum wage for every one none of this 16 year olds get paid less shit should be £10.50 an hour. That solves that.

[madhurjazz]

I lost my job - I have two small children and we are completely on the bloody breadline!

I'm sorry about your situation but I obviously people like yu need them, I didn't say take them all away. I mean for people long term employed and on them.

[IAmNotAMindReader]

Ahh 1st it was the pensioners should work thread. Now tax credits cuts. By this time next week I predict asking for changes to child labour laws because a lot of tax credits paid is the child element and those children really should be supporting themselves as part of the big society plan and education is a luxury not a right. Have to get that debt down after all.

[HarleyQuinzel]

In order for tax credits to be cut something needs to happen first. Higher wages, subsidised childcare, affordable rent in London. So yabu to want cuts before that, what would happen to those needing it ?

When I was pregnant I was told by some of my colleagues to work part time then I'd get tax credits. I have a partner but it made me think there is no incentive for single parents of young kids to work full time unless you're a high earner.

[tabulahrasa]

"where I worked have people that don't want to be promoted or get any more hours as they won't be any better off. That isn't helping people IMO, its creating a dependency."

Yep because all those couples where they're both working full time for minimum wage...they're choosing that they are

[madhurjazz]

Ahh 1st it was the pensioners should work thread. Now tax credits cuts.

Thatvwasnt what that thread was, it was pensioners who have no health conditions and want more luxuries should work. But you twist it like that...

Wanting lower public spending is a dirty thought? Because the country is running at such a surplus and not building up debt for future generations to deal with?

[waitingforgodot]

Here's an idea. How about large corporations pay an appropriate amount of tax.......

[GreatFuckability]

Tell Starbucks and the like to pay their tax. That would probably help the debt. And without penalising children.

[Holdtheslaw]

I'm sorry I was rude - my tax credits are being cut next year - if I get moved to universal credits I'm no longer entitled - I am completely fraught and stressed. And I look like shit, lol
It touched a nerve

[Nokidslovesitethough]

Where I work there's a couple on NMW who work around 16 hours a week each. (There's plenty of overtime available) 2 kids and no ambition. They're in their early 20s. Both heavily subsidised by HB and TC. Is this the type of thing you're getting at OP? If so, I agree.

Sad woman on Question Time is another case in point.

That said, I wouldn't like to see any family plunged into poverty but the "reliance" on TC is getting a bit much.

[eatingtomuch]

I am a single full time working mum in the public sector. I receive child benefit and tax credit. I would rather not, but without it I would struggle to make ends meet. I have no debt, but we do not go on holidays or live an extravagant lifestyle. The credits help me stay afloat.

What does upset me (make me angry) is when people abuse a system. I know two families where they DH is self employed. They put the minimal earnings through the books (lots of cash in hand jobs) and claim maximum benefits. They enjoy holidays abroad, live in desirable areas, new cars etc.