To think that children in 21st century UK should not be living like this?

[mrspear]

See this report from the BBC

Apologies if this has already been mentioned

I remember a few years back when dp and I were on benefits, due to issues issue with housing benefit and tax credits, all our money was stopped and all we had was child benefit to live on for 4 weeks whilst it was all sorted.

I had to beg social sevices for money to feed my 3 dc, they gave me 15 quid which lasted a couple of days and we had an emergency loan from the jobcentre then.

We were in tons of debt then too, my ex left me in a ton of debt when he fucked off and dp had debt too, it all impacted on our money, now we have jobs but those were dark days indeed.

perhaps my kids would have been better of in the work house eh

meditrina: apologies, clearly cider does not assist my comprehension skills! Absolutely agree with you.

As far as I know, the poverty line in the UK is defined as 60% of the median income after housing costs have been paid. I'm afraid that i don't know if this is disaggregated by region, although the housing costs will of course make a difference. The developing world is my thing - and there it's generally done on a urban/rural split or by the new fangled multidimensional poverty index

I have indeed secondcoming and it shocks and saddens me that there are still these medieval attitudes coming out of the wood work

I think the poster suggested that parents who spend their money on cigarettes and alcohol, while their children go without and suffer, should have their children taken away.

I dont see how anyone can argue with that. And that should apply to any parent who does that, on benefits or not.

Not all parents do this, and I am sure there are many who will go without themselves to ensure that every penny they can spare is spent on their children, but there are far too many who dont do that, and their children grow up knowing no different and the cycle continues.

sheepgomeep Tue 07-Jun-11 22:40:20

actually scrap that I hope you do

Watching these young people should be a humbling experience. To anyone with half a heart.

Oh, we're taxpayers, too. Strangely enough, I can't find it in me to begrudge a child what little money to live on. I think if you teach someone they are worthless, you can't be surprised if they come to believe that, especially if that's the message they got from the get go.

'The hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world.'

I've been pretty low, but you know, never so low that I'd find it acceptable to teach a child that they're worthless.

Only on page 2 but had to post to say Maypole1 is a fucking nob.

The chart in plebshire's post shows I'm only just above the poverty line. And I have 3 DC. Money is tight (we budget very carefully and can't save), but I wouldn't say we are poor.

Poverty of aspiration shown as well. "Nowt to do here". The child likes swimming but even that is unattainable because finances are strict. Presumably the library is, too.

This program is so bleak. Those kids dont even have dreams :(

I'm well below the poverty line. But I wouldn't count myself as 'poor' either. I think the definitions of poverty have traditionally been too focussed on income. I have no debt. I'm educated. My housing is cheap, but decent. It all makes a difference.

It is very sad, but I did notice that the family who missed meals had a large pedigree dog (boxer) How can they feed/ worm a dog like that, never mind pay vets bills, when they can't afford to eat? I appreciate that sometimes people get animals when times are better, but it's another expense.

Poverty doesnt automatically equal neglect.

Even millionaires dont always feed or clothe their children properly.

I hate to be the portend of doom but it's going to get worse.

20% on car running costs - not everyone lives in an area with reliable public transport.

23% on gas and 10% on electric alone this year.

50% alone on staples (wheat/flour, rice, potatoes) due to bad crops abroad and the commodities markets. Coffee is up 70%.

The girl in Glasgow has just said something along the lines of "even if you're mum can only get you little toys you should still be grateful because she's still had to get them [when money is tight for everything]".

Wow!!!! She might not have much in material terms, but that spirit is amazing.

I hate cuts affecting things like libraries In our area, they have just announced the closure of 10 or so children's play areas, which will no doubt pay the salary for one useless waste-of-space overpaid local councillor. The play areas are mainly in more deprived areas- nice one Let's take away any free pleasures these kids might have, eh?

shes a lovely little girl isn't she

The children are all fantastic and come across as very old and wise for their ages. Am finding this heartbreaking - in shock at the poor little girl with eczema.

Why is it that social mobility is so much worse in this country? What are other countries doing that we aren't?