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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask what's the beef with benefits?

638 replies

mytartanscarf · 04/01/2015 14:33

Do people think they are too little? That they should be more?

There's always a lot of upset on here about them - about how wrong the government are and how awful life is on benefits. I've never been on benefits so obviously can't judge. But what are the solutions?

I suppose I am asking what should the government do?

OP posts:
Original poster
mytartanscarf · 04/01/2015 15:07

Derek - I think the two are intrinsically linked because firstly, many parents with young children simply can't afford to work. That means if they are a single parent they are reliant on benefits and even those in couples will struggle. I work in a low paid job and there are women who are married but really, really struggle and need top-up benefits just to exist: crazy really.

With regard to housing, again, I think the two are linked although I agree the link is more tenuous. However, lack of council housing, costs of private renting, cost of buying a property - surely these are massive issues in terms of welfare?

At any rate, I don't really know what to say!

OP posts:
Eltonjohnsflorist · 04/01/2015 15:06

The key worker scheme has been always been extended to all. It's called affordable housing. Different housing has different rules, that's all

EatShitDerek · 04/01/2015 15:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
mytartanscarf · 04/01/2015 15:02

I don't understand Cantbelieve?

OP posts:
EatShitDerek · 04/01/2015 15:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Cantbelievethisishappening · 04/01/2015 15:01

I was thinking the expense of childcare was one of the major problems for working parents? Also housing - right to buy being extended to people in employment.

Have another look at the title of your thread.

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 04/01/2015 14:59

Benefits are too much are they Daisy. Well go to a foodbank look them in the eye and say that.

Original poster
mytartanscarf · 04/01/2015 14:58

Oh all right Worra Hmm goodness sakes, I used the wrong phrase.

I meant the key worker scheme being extended to people in all employment not just teaching, nursing and so on. Property is VERY expensive and it's a major problem, as is the cost of childcare.

OP posts:
Dawndonnaagain · 04/01/2015 14:58
WorraLiberty · 04/01/2015 14:56

Also housing - right to buy being extended to people in employment

Huh?

Employed people always had the same right to buy as anyone else

If you're unemployed, how could you buy a home?

ilovesooty · 04/01/2015 14:55

I defy Daisy to try a period of time on benefits and still think of them as a lifestyle choice. I wish people with smug ignorant views like hers would just fuck off.

And I've never been on benefits either.

WorraLiberty · 04/01/2015 14:54

Maybe we should give beef with benefits but what would we do for the pescatarians vegans vegetarians and all religions and other animal farmers in someway discriminated by its provision?

But they're poor and everyone knows poor people don't matter.

They should eat their beef and be grateful...

Original poster
mytartanscarf · 04/01/2015 14:54

Blimey, it was a genuine question!

I was thinking the expense of childcare was one of the major problems for working parents? Also housing - right to buy being extended to people in employment.

But erm I'll get my coat

Blush

(and I'm on a diet so take your Biscuits back)

OP posts:
26Point2Miles · 04/01/2015 14:50

Well I think the government are doing something about benefits being a lifestyle choice. They are getting tougher to claim and remain. And they are lesser

Cantbelievethisishappening · 04/01/2015 14:50

balia Yep.... nothing like a bit of divide and rule.

RonaldMcDonald · 04/01/2015 14:50

Er
Maybe we should give beef with benefits but what would we do for the pescatarians vegans vegetarians and all religions and other animal farmers in someway discriminated by its provision?

WorraLiberty · 04/01/2015 14:49

Cantbelievethisishappening, how am I supposed to get them off of their smart phones and ipads??

balia · 04/01/2015 14:49

The upset is created by those in power who want to distract the attention of the majority away from the huge inequality and basic unfairness of life in our society. To take our minds off tax dodgers and companies who don't pay a living wage, to get us to focus our energies on the very weakest and most vulnerable in society because they have no means by which to defend themselves.

HTH

WorraLiberty · 04/01/2015 14:48

Oh that's handy.

Instead of explaining to the OP how the 'beef' normally comes from ill informed, ignorant fools who believe all the shit on TV...all we need to do is point her in the direction of DaisyFlowerChain's post.

Job done

Cantbelievethisishappening · 04/01/2015 14:47

Worra... can't you get one of your ten children to change it for you?

WorraLiberty · 04/01/2015 14:45

I can't Dawn, he's eaten the remote to my 50" plasma.

If you think I'm hauling my arse off the sofa to change channels manually, you must be mad.

How the hell am I supposed to watch Jeremy Kyle now? Hmm

KoalaDownUnder · 04/01/2015 14:45

What the government should do? About what??

Could you be a bit more specific? I mean, surely everything a government spends public money on (benefits, healthcare, education) attracts some controversy. That's why there are multiple political parties. But what exactly asking about?

Cantbelievethisishappening · 04/01/2015 14:43

They are far too high and the system is broken. It's no longer a welfare state for most claimants but a lifestyle choice.

Nothing like a sweeping generalisation to get the party started.

EatShitDerek · 04/01/2015 14:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dawndonnaagain · 04/01/2015 14:43

Daisy
DFOD, there's a good girl.