What can the Conservatives do for me?

[onadietcokebreak]

Im a single parent who is currently claiming Income Support. Previously I worked part time and brought home £800 a month plus WTC/CTC/HB and CHB. Money was tight but we got by.

What would a conservative impact have on my life?

What are their views on students parents.

How could they help me if my BF moves in? Would they get rid of the tax credits system?

What about healthcare?

Everything I hear is "less state intervention"...will it be all cuts cuts cuts? So why are people so keen on conservatives? Im confused!

Really dont know which way to vote. Labour are dead in this area so it is conservative and lib dems.

[antoinettechigur]

Yes it is lcuts, cuts, cuts. They have toned this line down as it didn't play well with focus groups and because it would be disastrous for the economy. But cutting spending is the conservative bottom line.

Their view on healthcare is to make it subject to market forces by giving people health budgets to choose services with. Bad luck if you have more health needs than the budget allows for.

People are keen on conservatives because they see benefits for themselves as already reasonably well-off individuals, or because they can't see past the shiney-shiney packaging

BTW I am no big Labour supporter. Just feel strongly (and negatively) about conservative policy and ethos!

Voting Libdem could have an impact. There could easily be a hung parliament with Libdems making up the government with Labour or Conservative, and having a positive influence.

[onadietcokebreak]

Exactly what I thought...so why are some people so in favour of Conservative government?

Electoral reforms are needed for Lib Dems to have a good chance of becoming the oppossition.

Would love to see lib dems in a hung parliment.

[blinks]

i honestly believe people probably prefer cameron's coiffure and his middle class stylings.

[onadietcokebreak]

So its the hair that will win the election! LOL

[blinks]

that's how shallow most people are.

[onadietcokebreak]

Just know that for me Conservative are the worst deal....but think labour have lost their way

[scaryteacher]

It's cuts whoever gets in, don't be naive.

At least the Tories may do something for rural Britain, as opposed to the urban Labour party. It's about bloody time someone did something for Plymouth and Cornwall, apart from practically close the dockyard and ignore the region completely. Cornish kids might get fairer schools funding under the Tories.

[onadietcokebreak]

Whats wrong with the schools system in cornwall?

[daysoftheweek]

Agree it's cuts cuts cuts whoever.

Have heard 15% bandied about!

[gaelicsheep]

Personally I'm in favour of the Conservatives because they're not Labour. I wish there was a realistic alternative - if there was I'd probably vote for them. I may in fact vote Lib Dem - I'm undecided as yet.

[skihorse]

OP - how can money be "tight" when you're bringing in 800 PLUS all of that? Seriously... what planet are you people on?

How much of that was spending money given all the benefits tax credits you were given on top?

[onadietcokebreak]

Skihorse put your judgey pants away please. Im definately on planet earth. The people who judge so quickly are the ones who arent on this planet.

And before you make assumptions I didnt spend my child benefit on booze and fags or have a expensive lifestyle with fast cars and designer clothes. It was essential expenditure and hard choices.

Would you like to contribute to this thread in a more informative way..ie how will the conservatives help me and other like me?

[onadietcokebreak]

Hi Riven...can you remind me please. I was a baby myself back then and all my adult life have had a labour government....

[onadietcokebreak]

Yep Riven thats completely reminded me and quite upset me now. ( sometimes you block it all out)

My mum used to go without food so we could eat and she worked flaming long hour hours in catering. We used to go in with our colouring books or sit in the car for hours as there was no way she could afford childcare.

New Labour are often seen as an extention of the Torys but I do think there has been more real help given to address low income families problems.

Lib Dems vote for me though as otherwise conservative will win in this seat.

[skihorse]

onacokebreak I'm genuinely curious as to how much money you actually "get through". I'm not sure if the housing benefit covered all of your rent - I don't know of course.

What I do think is absolutely incredible is that after all your housing/council tax bills were paid you had upwards of 800 a month (plus benefits) for food, clothes & treats.

I have less than that and I actually have a job! Makes me tbh that people are moaning about only having a grand a month spending money.

[bibbitybobbityhat]

Family of 4 here. After we pay our mortgage we have about £3,000 a month to live on. Money is certainly tight here. We don't have enough to save, or for more than one fairly modest holiday per year (think two weeks Eurocamps in France sort of thing). I think you are overestimating how much £800/month actually is Skihorse.

[onadietcokebreak]

Skihorse...read the OP. I had £800 wage when I was WORKING. Very Very small amount of housing benefit...had to still find approx £400. Still had unmet childcare costs. Had to meet petrol and parking charges which were ESSENTIAL for work.

If I had a grand spending money I would be laughing.....hilarious

[onadietcokebreak]

Actually when I was earning £800 think it was £475 rent still to find.

[skihorse]

No need to be so rude - your first post was not clear.

Blimey - it's me who's out of touch then... what I'm calling "spending money" is actually what I'm using to pay bills/petrol/MOT/car insurance/clothes/holidays/treats/food etc.

3k a month bibbity Fuck me, do you eat diamonds?

[onadietcokebreak]

Council tax £80 per month. Water £45. Gas and electric budget £70 per month (averaged) Car insurance, TV £12, Broad band/phone £30 (what a luxury!)Food £50

It soon goes................

[onadietcokebreak]

Im a single parent who is currently claiming Income Support. Previously I worked part time and brought home £800 a month plus WTC/CTC/HB and CHB. Money was tight but we got by

Not clear......maybe you need an eyetest?!

And It wasnt me who started being rude...
Seriously... what planet are you people on?

[skihorse]

I doubt it... maybe you need a typing test?

As you said:
"Previously I worked part time and brought home £800 a month plus WTC/CTC/HB and CHB. "

Which was it? 800 quid total or 800 quid PLUS all those benefits?