Just saw somebody 'pay' for a massive pack of Amber Leaf, green rizlas and 3 packs of Quavers...

[badcoverversion]

...with Healthy Start vouchers.

I was a bit about it.

AIBU in thinking that both the customer and the retailer are bang out of order using the vouchers for baccy and deep fried cheesey snacks.

They are vouchers, each valued at £3.10 that people on benefits receive. Each person gets a certain amount per child/baby.

Well, I dunno MissQue I smoke and I eat fresh fruit and veg as well.... the two are not exclusive.

I've never had them. How do you get them? I need some fags

SerendipitousHarlot - I get your point about how the money goes into the pot but it just seemed really wrong to me.

Ah. Cross posted. Shame - I could do with getting me some of those

Healthy start vouchers are given to low income famillies, in 2006 you used to get £7.50 of vouchers per week.

These could be redeemed for formula, whole milk or fruit and veg (or any mix) at most stores.

It is to ensure that expectant mothers, babies and toddlers up to 2 are getting a balanced diet.

Apparently though thta's not good enough for some people.

I get it. I was brought up in Ireland and we used to get butter vouchers, so same idea. Never understood why low income families ate more butter than those better off...

I actually think there is a BIG difference with CHB and Healthy start and how they should be used.

CHB is there to supplement any household income and add to it for the child. So whether that is for gas/electric/food/day trips/clothing it does go to them in one way or another. And I would assume if you spend it before payday then your child does in no way miss out on any of the above?!

Whereas if you get Healthy Start you should be on income support/job seekers, so surely any amount of extra cash to help care for your child is a good thing? I know it was for us and if DP needed fags he would use a few quid or wait till payday we would never have taken the voucers away from our son because after all they were for him.

Does any of that make sense? I get it if no on e else does :o

Local shops round here give cash for Healthy Start vouchers. Less than what they are worth obviously so they make a profit. Have been stood behind people in a queue doing just that.

what no fruit shoots
whats amber leaf [so out of touch is it a make of tea bag]

Didn't know what Amber Leaf was either.

I know what you're saying, mamadiva - but it's a question of balance, innit. Nobody knows the circumstances of the bloke in the shop, for all we know, he could be a cabbage-crunching, melon-licking angel - that likes a fag and a packet of Quavers

Amber Leaf is cheap and nasty packet tobacco (way too strong and tastes a bit like wet dog).

The fruit shoots are on offer at the mo' as well mrstimlovejoy...one can only assume that they are fully stocked up!

Well I'm on a low wage, I hate how low income is used when in reality they mean benefits. I do feel that sometimes whoever dreams up these schemes should say low income and mean it rather than say it and mean benefits. I know lots of people who work part-time etc., single parents etc.

I think vouchers for fruit and veg would come in quite handy and these items are rarely on any special offers in the supermarket. My dts eat a ton of fruit especially and it costs a fortune.

oops, I meant to strike that cheap and nasty out...now it seems like I'm being all uppity and trying to emphasize my point. What a dick!

True Serendipit, either that or he's using his baccy for summit else and is expecting a bout of the munchies :o

Could someone tell me what these vouchers are please.

WTF has it got to do with anyone else? This is just another 'ooh, the poor shouldn't be allowed to make any choices or have any treats, because they are benefits-claiming scum' thread isn't it?

Twoifbysea may I ask if you are a single parent or the main worker in the household?

I only ask as when DP and I got them it was because I was not working and he was in a low paid job. You may still be entitled if your children are young enough.

Sorry don't have full details just a thought.

In which case, mamadiva there was a severe lack of chocolate, never mind fruit and veg

SGB I don't think it is, it is more about the fcat that a shop is accepting these vouchers and may well be profiting from ripping someone off just for the sake of some tobacco.

Like others pointed out I don't think it's right you can use HS vouchers for this why not use cash and buy what you are meant to with the vouchers.

A few eople have also said they have had them so how or why would they be bashing them for using them?

I used to use my milk tokens for tobacco at the corner shop because I could get milk cheaper at Morrisons buying it in bulk.

And besides, two quid off my milk bill at the supermarket I barely noticed. But by friday, when the fridge would still contain milk yet I was out of fags and almost out of money, that token was as precious as Gold (Leaf).

I guess that's fine if you get use of the whole voucher from corner shop but in many cases people spend a bit on tobacco and therefore the shops are ripping the customer and the state off.

I got these when my DD was born, I was a single mum and was on benefits.

Here's the link to those that don't know what they are, and to those who may qualify but didn't realise?

healthy start

I could only get milk with mine, the shops were very strict about that. Not that I would ever abuse it.

It is a really good scheme, but as with everything else can be open to abuse by a few people.

I really do not think though, regardless of the situation, that a shop keeper should accept them in payment for fags/alcohol. That goes beyond the pale.

Quavers are an awful excuse for crisps