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Politics
Original poster

Migration and benefits

26 replies

TheFutureSupremeRulersMum · 28/11/2014 12:21

Just watching Daily Politics on BBC2 and saw David Cameron talking about not letting migrants claim benefits until they have contributed for 4 years. I didn't hear whether he explained in more detail what he means by contribute but it made me think of two things. What about people born here too; why shouldn't everyone have to "contribute" for 4 years. Also, they he said it makes it sound like all migrants choose to move here. What about people who are trafficked here? If they can't claim benefits or get a council house then doesn't that mean it will be even more difficult for them to leave their situation?

OP posts:
niceguy2 · 28/11/2014 16:42

I must admit I had the same thoughts.

One of the principles of EU is that whatever rule you have cannot discriminate against another EU citizen. So...if they changed the rules as you've suggested then as far as I understand it then everything is fine as far as the EU goes. But if they say "Well if you're born in the UK it's one thing. but if you are born in these countries (effectively the other 26) then it's another thing". Then that's wrong and illegal under EU law.

I read somewhere once, unfortunately I can't remember where, that one of the biggest problems with our benefits system is that it's non-contributory unlike most other Western European countries. Maybe given the state of our national finances we should rethink that anyway. I mean it does seem fair to me that if you haven't put in, then you shouldn't get out. The only exceptions being when someone is a victim of domestic abuse or suchlike.

Four years is also quite a long time. Why not 2 years? I doubt most immigrants could survive for two years without tax credits etc if they NEED the money. Make it two years all round and be done with it.