Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder how the UK will look in 3 years time?

905 replies

Labradorlover987 · 11/08/2025 13:19

I was inspired to write this after reading the UC post that was just reported - the govt’s welfare bill has passed but was watered down so unlikely to make any real savings.

I earn 40k, have a school age child and just feel like I am living hand to mouth 😩 I 100% think there should be a welfare systems that supports people on low incomes but I wonder how the current system will be sustained in the long run?

Just wondered what other people thought.

I actually wouldn’t mind paying more in taxes if we could be guaranteed more in services etc - for example my council tax just went up and the services seem even worse this year than usual.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
PandoraSocks · 15/08/2025 09:14

Sendcrisis2025 · 15/08/2025 08:32

I haven't said they aren't entitled or there's fraud. I'm saying that the way the system works has completely disincentivised people from getting better. What is the point in tackling your addiction if you end up worse off financially for it?

We absolutely should support those with addiction to get better and some breathing space to allow this, but it shouldn't be a case that we are providing big financial reason not to.

Their dining room is a matter of feet from my bedroom window. I know far more about their lives than I ever would like to!

Show quote history

So you spy on them?

BIossomtoes · 15/08/2025 09:11

What is the point in tackling your addiction if you end up worse off financially for it?

Alcoholism is expensive. Anyone conquering it will automatically be far, far better off immediately.

Fluffypuppy1 · 15/08/2025 08:57

samthepigeon · 15/08/2025 06:03

Yes, except that minimum wages have risen, waiting lists are going down, Trump is being 'managed' in a very reasonable way (not an easy feat!), train strikes over (these were causing major disruption across the country). There is much doom and gloom, and things are far from perfect, but rather than just bumbling along doing bizarre things like cutting NI, it does feel like issues are being addressed rather than being ignored.

The whole illegal immigrant thing is a big deal because of the massive delays in turning around claims in a sensible time frame; it has taken years to get to that stage and sadly will take a while to clear the backlog. It has become a flagship/emotive issue but sorting it out won't simultaneously sort out all the UK's ills.

Social media is leading the sheeple to feel so bad about the situation. Britain is still the world's 6th richest country.

Show quote history

We’re not the 6th richest country in the world. We are the 6th largest economy, meaning we have one of the largest GDP (total value of goods and services). But, in terms of wealth, we’re about the 31st due to our huge population.

If you think about all the truly wealthy countries such as Qatar, UAE, Switzerland, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Norway, Bahrain etc, there’s no way the UK is anywhere close to being 6th.

OneCoralCat · 15/08/2025 08:34

Sendcrisis2025 · 15/08/2025 08:32

I haven't said they aren't entitled or there's fraud. I'm saying that the way the system works has completely disincentivised people from getting better. What is the point in tackling your addiction if you end up worse off financially for it?

We absolutely should support those with addiction to get better and some breathing space to allow this, but it shouldn't be a case that we are providing big financial reason not to.

Their dining room is a matter of feet from my bedroom window. I know far more about their lives than I ever would like to!

Show quote history

You’re implying that they’re fit and well enough to do the things they choose, but not paid employment. So that is fraud 🤷

Sendcrisis2025 · 15/08/2025 08:32

OneCoralCat · 15/08/2025 08:28

I always find it baffling how many people on Mumsnet know this many people in real life that are claiming benefits they aren’t entitled to (in particular PIP which is excruciatingly difficult to claim) and yet I work in the social housing system, am on UC myself and know absolutely no one receiving things they ought not to be.

Have you reported the fraud?

Edited
Show quote history

I haven't said they aren't entitled or there's fraud. I'm saying that the way the system works has completely disincentivised people from getting better. What is the point in tackling your addiction if you end up worse off financially for it?

We absolutely should support those with addiction to get better and some breathing space to allow this, but it shouldn't be a case that we are providing big financial reason not to.

Their dining room is a matter of feet from my bedroom window. I know far more about their lives than I ever would like to!

OneCoralCat · 15/08/2025 08:28

Sendcrisis2025 · 14/08/2025 18:50

I do think we need to reform disability benefits. The system, for many, has tipped to disincentivise people to get better.

My neighbours are husband, wife and 2 grown sons. None of them work. Husband is an alcoholic and on full sickness benefits. Wife is his carer. Oldest son is on sickness benefits for mental health. Younger son is his carer.

They openly say there is no point changing anything as why would they want to go back to work when they won't be any better off. I know first hand that addiction is hard to overcom, but equally, we could almost be making it harder for people if they have zero motivation to need to get better.

This family are all very capable of redecorating their house every few months. They are very capable of parties and working on cars.

They are far from alone and just an example. The system for many traps them into a position there is zero need, and it often puts them in a hole, to improve their situation.

Yet Labour attempted this and got blocked by their own MPs.

I always find it baffling how many people on Mumsnet know this many people in real life that are claiming benefits they aren’t entitled to (in particular PIP which is excruciatingly difficult to claim) and yet I work in the social housing system, am on UC myself and know absolutely no one receiving things they ought not to be.

Have you reported the fraud?

Milliejacksonhouseforsale · 15/08/2025 08:24

MyNameIsX · 14/08/2025 18:08

You’re not alone…

Show quote history

The Specials had more records than just Ghost town,Two Tone was a massive youth cult late 70s early 80s.

YelloDaisy · 15/08/2025 06:17

Who says they are dealing properly with asylum claims -their rhetoric is all ‘the poor victims’ of the wicked ‘people smuggler’ gangs which is lying and gaslighting -these men aren’t asylum seekers they are seeking an easier life not asylum but are obviously being allowed to stay which is why they keep coming (ask Macron)

Being the worlds 6th richest country is irrelevant if none of the wealth is in your hands but let’s spend billions on hotel accomm etc etc etc

samthepigeon · 15/08/2025 06:03

nearlylovemyusername · 13/08/2025 13:09

No, it's not.

It's gobsmackingly obvious that this term will be the last one for Labour for many decades to come.

It's also gobsmackingly obvious that apart from possibly unionised labour everyone else will be substantially worse of at the end of their term - if not directly because of taxes then because of inflation and unemployment.

It's also gobsmackingly obvious that lasting effect of the damage they are doing to education, aspiration and growth will take decades to undo.

Show quote history

Yes, except that minimum wages have risen, waiting lists are going down, Trump is being 'managed' in a very reasonable way (not an easy feat!), train strikes over (these were causing major disruption across the country). There is much doom and gloom, and things are far from perfect, but rather than just bumbling along doing bizarre things like cutting NI, it does feel like issues are being addressed rather than being ignored.

The whole illegal immigrant thing is a big deal because of the massive delays in turning around claims in a sensible time frame; it has taken years to get to that stage and sadly will take a while to clear the backlog. It has become a flagship/emotive issue but sorting it out won't simultaneously sort out all the UK's ills.

Social media is leading the sheeple to feel so bad about the situation. Britain is still the world's 6th richest country.

samthepigeon · 15/08/2025 05:53

MrsSkylerWhite · 13/08/2025 12:47

No, but those inevitable consequences of years of poor governance were never going to magically cease the moment a new government was elected. The NHS waiting list is going down, more medical appointments have been created and the government have reintroduced effectively SureStart under its new name. A good beginning.

Of course there’s an endless list, but to begin to turn around a titanic of an economy was always going to take at least a full term. Really, if people are disappointed, that’s partly down to them for not understanding that obvious fact.

Show quote history

And these changes are not as glamourous as the story of x amount of migrants arriving on a dingy each week. There are no dramatic pictures to go with them. Less easy to get the public whipped up about them.

bombastix · 14/08/2025 22:20

It’s fair to point out that the UK has massive problems. It has too many working age people on benefits, not enough tax contributions and serious levels of entitlement to public services.

I don’t know what you do about it; neither Labour or the Conservatives have sensible ideas. Neither party can level with the electorate that public and social spending can’t be managed by their traditional methods. Countries that do have our expectations and services pay a hell of a lot more tax across all workers. There isn’t some fantasy that very rich people can pay it all or that those on a lower wage shouldn’t be contributing tax.

MyNameIsX · 14/08/2025 20:56

cumbriaisbest · 14/08/2025 20:48

I wouldn't scrape him off the bottom of my shoe.

Show quote history

Speaking of canine waste, a reminder of the former Labour councillor, Ricky Jones, recorded on camera.

Wearing a black polo top and surrounded by cheering supporters, the now-suspended councillor said: “They are disgusting Nazi fascists. We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.”
He also drew his finger across his throat as he spoke to the crowd.

cumbriaisbest · 14/08/2025 20:48

BIossomtoes · 13/08/2025 20:02

Didn’t he tweet that someone should kill the Mayor of London? Definitely a folk hero with ethics to aspire to.

Show quote history

I wouldn't scrape him off the bottom of my shoe.

suburburban · 14/08/2025 20:05

Sendcrisis2025 · 14/08/2025 19:47

That, they don't.

I also know first hand alcoholism and addiction is debilitating but we don't help anyone if there is zero need for them to tackle it. My mum is 8 years sober, she needed reasons to realise it couldn't go on anymore.

Show quote history

The 2 brothers have had very poor role models but it frustrating.

also I think they get little support to find employment but paying them forever is unsustainable and needs to be reviewed

Sendcrisis2025 · 14/08/2025 19:47

PandoraSocks · 14/08/2025 18:55

I bet they have a free car too.

Scroungers.

Show quote history

That, they don't.

I also know first hand alcoholism and addiction is debilitating but we don't help anyone if there is zero need for them to tackle it. My mum is 8 years sober, she needed reasons to realise it couldn't go on anymore.

PandoraSocks · 14/08/2025 18:55

Sendcrisis2025 · 14/08/2025 18:50

I do think we need to reform disability benefits. The system, for many, has tipped to disincentivise people to get better.

My neighbours are husband, wife and 2 grown sons. None of them work. Husband is an alcoholic and on full sickness benefits. Wife is his carer. Oldest son is on sickness benefits for mental health. Younger son is his carer.

They openly say there is no point changing anything as why would they want to go back to work when they won't be any better off. I know first hand that addiction is hard to overcom, but equally, we could almost be making it harder for people if they have zero motivation to need to get better.

This family are all very capable of redecorating their house every few months. They are very capable of parties and working on cars.

They are far from alone and just an example. The system for many traps them into a position there is zero need, and it often puts them in a hole, to improve their situation.

Yet Labour attempted this and got blocked by their own MPs.

I bet they have a free car too.

Scroungers.

Sendcrisis2025 · 14/08/2025 18:50

I do think we need to reform disability benefits. The system, for many, has tipped to disincentivise people to get better.

My neighbours are husband, wife and 2 grown sons. None of them work. Husband is an alcoholic and on full sickness benefits. Wife is his carer. Oldest son is on sickness benefits for mental health. Younger son is his carer.

They openly say there is no point changing anything as why would they want to go back to work when they won't be any better off. I know first hand that addiction is hard to overcom, but equally, we could almost be making it harder for people if they have zero motivation to need to get better.

This family are all very capable of redecorating their house every few months. They are very capable of parties and working on cars.

They are far from alone and just an example. The system for many traps them into a position there is zero need, and it often puts them in a hole, to improve their situation.

Yet Labour attempted this and got blocked by their own MPs.

MyNameIsX · 14/08/2025 18:08

suburburban · 14/08/2025 18:02

Don’t remember Why but remember Ghost town

You’re not alone…

MyNameIsX · 14/08/2025 18:07

Milliejacksonhouseforsale · 14/08/2025 17:49

No..it's a record called why and it highlighted racial intolerance.

Show quote history

Preferred Ghost Town.

Or UB40’s ‘1 in 10’ - Labour are currently 1 in 5 and climbing.

suburburban · 14/08/2025 18:02

Don’t remember Why but remember Ghost town

Milliejacksonhouseforsale · 14/08/2025 17:49

MyNameIsX · 14/08/2025 16:47

Ghost Town?

Show quote history

No..it's a record called why and it highlighted racial intolerance.

Bathingforest · 14/08/2025 17:45

frozendaisy · 13/08/2025 13:47

@Happyher you are being unfair
we also complain about the weather and neighbours fences!

People think we all want to Iive around some village green watching cricket, sipping tea and watering hanging baskets for the local church - honestly weI would grab one of those Dover boats and head to Calais!

Churches with hanging baskets. Never seen one

MyNameIsX · 14/08/2025 16:47

Milliejacksonhouseforsale · 14/08/2025 16:10

There was a record released by the Specials in 1980 called..Why.
Unfortunately it's still relevant now 45 years later.
Sorry don't know how to link..it's on YouTube.

Ghost Town?

Milliejacksonhouseforsale · 14/08/2025 16:10

There was a record released by the Specials in 1980 called..Why.
Unfortunately it's still relevant now 45 years later.
Sorry don't know how to link..it's on YouTube.

Swipe left for the next trending thread