to think the CB abolition has had an effect a bit like kicking an ants' nest

[OrmRenewed]

on MN

And the calls for 'someone else' ie the elderly, to have their benefits cut have started already.

I have very little nice to say about the Tories but if they have to make cuts, I'd rather CB went than see cuts in other areas. It seems a reasonable place to start.

I don't think CB no longer being universal is in any way comparable with the poll tax. That was the most regressive form of tax possible. Means tested benefits are entirely normal - CB is one of the few exceptions to the rule. Most people will still get it. Many more (like me) are somewhat baffled why I ever got it in the first place.

Theres just a (vocal, middle-classish) minority caught on the fault line.

Probably it should be done away with entirely and a better targetted form of CB introduced instead, with sliding scale rather than all or nothing, but that's probably expensive to implement. The current suggestion is pragmatic and not unfair to people in dire need.

I'd agree that cb, should go to those in need and those less well off. I also think there should be a cut off point.

I still think the Tories have scored an own goal though.

The well off will still get it, 2 people on 80k which is a good household income will qualify yet those on a single income of 44k won't. I know all the blah, blah about means testing but it's stupid. Plus don't forget the well off self employed who make it their very business to pay accountants to manage their tax so they pay as little as possible.

This will just hit the bog standard middle earning cereal box family, where dad goes out to work and mum stays at home (or the other way around) which I thought the tories wanted to encourage

Emmylou, they plan to address the SAHM issue with the tax credit system...seeing as this isnt til 2013 i'd let them iron out the creases before worrying unduly

OrmRenewed - I don't think in the main people are saying to take away benefits from people on low income but just that if there is going to be income testing that it is done on a household basis. I certainly don't resent having to forgo the CB but expect that it is applied fairly and equally.

In a way it would seem fairer to award CB on the basis of household income (me having just realised that I'll still get it and really don't think I should) BUT if you follow that logic then shouldn't taxation be done per household rather than individually? I can't imagine many working women liking that idea!

manicmother - under the circumstances I think you've been very polite

Oh thank you!