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Original poster

How likely are they to do this?

64 replies

AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 18:40

Politicians saying that they will maybe limit child tax credits and child benefit to three children as of the next election (may 2015).

Really worried about it.. Will it happen? I don't even know who is in power, or who would need to win the election to implement this Blush

OP posts:
lljkk · 24/01/2014 20:51

yeah they set it, but they can't set it too high or it will restrict employment or employers will just stretch the rules even more to keep their costs down, they set it in response to prevailing market conditions. Most people are paid more than minimum wage, too, because of market conditions.

Plenty of people do piece-work as things are (£1 for every bushel of apples you pick or whatever instead of an hourly rate). There would only be more of that kind of thing if minimum wage is set to a bad level.

It's people like me who can afford to work for minimum wage who probably keep the minimum wage down.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 20:32

Lljkk I think you're describing me there! We are VERY happy with a small car, no exotic holidays, not having expensive hobbies etc etc.

I thought govt set minimum wage?

OP posts:
lljkk · 24/01/2014 20:29

I know lots of families on minimal or ordinary incomes with 4+ of kids (and none live in council houses as far as I know). But they don't have expensive tastes, either.

I can't agree that it's govt. fault if minimal wage is not a living wage; they don't really have that much control over the economy.

FamiliesShareGerms · 24/01/2014 20:20

The only people I know with three or more children earn mega bucks (the Children As Status Symbols syndrome) or are on benefits. Most of my friends - including us - have stopped at two because that's what we can sensibly afford.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 20:18

I think childcare will be fine when they're at school, the oldest would be at secondary school so could walk home etc.

It's now it would be crippling.

OP posts:
TeamHank · 24/01/2014 20:18

Sorry, should have proof read that first sentence!

TeamHank · 24/01/2014 20:17

They are a safety net Angels, to help people making work a viable choice. If you had stopped at two children and were now back at work you may not need for as longer, for example. That's why people get angry about the system - it's very very broken sadly Sad.

MatriarchMommy · 24/01/2014 20:17

You said you're planning to go back to work, calculate the cost of childcare, i work part time, i have 2 ds aged 6 an 7 months. I earn £121 per week, childcare costs me £188. I get help with tax credits, after paying all bills, i get left with under £10 in my pocket.

Childcare is expensive, finding a job that fits around school is hard. For 4 children with my childcare rates it would cost £376. Childcare is already capped at ( i think ) £300 per week with taxcredits

Bowlersarm · 24/01/2014 20:15

But you have a family. You have three children. You've replicated yourself, your DH, and you have a spare (as they say in royal circles). Anything - anyone - else is fine, if you can afford it.

And actually, I think on that, whoever gets in to power in the next election will be the same on this. Money is limited, and there is a hierarchy who will get the cash. I don't think it will be for multiple children.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 20:08

I honestly didn't think that tax credits were a safety net, but to top up low wages, which are the government's fault.

OP posts:
Sleepwhenidie · 24/01/2014 20:05

Angels, people working and not getting tax credits have to make the choice, have another child and possibly make sacrifices in their standard of living to pay for said child, or accept that they can't afford the child. Why should people on tax credits have the option of having a child, banking on the state to help support it? Particularly when it is a 3rd/4th child.

The welfare system should be a safety net, not a planned source of income.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 20:02

How did you get over it? Genuine question. I've got good qualifications etc but have no interest in a high flying career. Just want a family.

OP posts:
Bowlersarm · 24/01/2014 20:00

Yes, OP, I was broody for a long time. But we couldn't afford another child. Simple.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 19:59

They're* babies not their

OP posts:
Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 19:58

That was to sleepwhenidie ...

God I'm going to have a very broody 30 years or so :)

OP posts:
Bowlersarm · 24/01/2014 19:58

I would have loved a fourth. It was never going to happen. Far too expensive.

Bravely, i am going to say, four children is a lot. Especially if you are planning number 4 ie not n accident. Why should you be funded for your choice?

Onesleeptillwembley · 24/01/2014 19:58

Hope they do get this through. I resent paying for people to have more children than they can afford - I agonised when I got pregnant with a coil with my third.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 19:58

What?!

Surely people who DON'T get tax credits earn a hell of a lot more than my DP?? I know they'll get more expensive, it's easy when their babies in a way.

OP posts:
Bowlersarm · 24/01/2014 19:55

OP, have the amount of children you can afford. It's simple, really.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 19:52

Hmm maybe I should actually vote this year! I always think my vote wouldn't make a difference, but who knows. Ughhh I don't like uncertainty! In case anyone didn't notice Grin

OP posts:
TeamHank · 24/01/2014 19:52

It is rubbish Angels i agree. We had to remortgage our house to pay for IVF cos the NHS wouldn't give it to us cos it's a lifestyle choice. It's shit but there it is.

Meglet, there won't be a public sector if this govt gets its way.

Sleepwhenidie · 24/01/2014 19:51

Yes, lots of people work hard, but why should people who don't get tax credits not have children they would dearly love to because they can't afford to support them, even when working and paying taxes...that then goes to people who make the conscious decision to have children they know they will need financial assistance from the state for Confused.

You can also pretty much guarantee the DC's will get much more expensive as they get older btw, if only in respect of food and clothes.

Meglet · 24/01/2014 19:49

I have a bad feeling that if they get in again God I hope they don't they are going to tear the welfare system / education and NHS to pieces.

Original poster
AngelsInWinter · 24/01/2014 19:48

It's just rubbish, I guess. People have been screwing this system for a long time, we just want another child. But I'm not stupid, and I wouldn't have one without working out finances etc first.

I think people on here would look at our income and be shocked that we can afford three children. But we can. Maybe priorities are different? I don't know.

OP posts:
TeamHank · 24/01/2014 19:48

No one mentioned that he didn't did he? But if he/you don't earn enough to support 4 kids, you don't earn enough to support 4 kids and that's it really.