AIBU to think that most people with children who

[Hedgeblog]

say the phrases in regards to paying taxes such as

"I pay your wages mate (to anyone who works in the public sector)" or "I don't want MY taxes to pay for benefit scroungers" etc. are totally mistaken.

In fact the majority of people in the country barely cover the state costs of their own childrens education let alone their NHS bills, tax credits, child benefit, subsidised rail fares etc through their own taxes.

It costs the state 5K to educate 1 child of school age per year, add in NHS costs and you get the picture.

I hear this expression quite often it really grates on me. I know our society doesn't work on a zero sum basis but really unless your earning over #50K are in good health and don't have kids stop spouting on you pay everyone's wages!!

Interesting point about Travel Insurance LydiaWickham. Bearing in mind we pay National Insurance - which bears no relation to an insurance policy at all. I think that a proper social insurance scheme would actually stop lots of the antagonism. One of the biggest complaints I hear is when someone is made redundant they get the basic £56 job seekers allowance, they have to jump through hoops to get it, are patronised by people less qualified than them and it bears no relation to what they have contributed financially over the years.

Some people will never be able to contribute and they should be looked after but there needs to be a recognition of your tax receipts. Totally unfair that the whole country gets the same with zero regard for the level of contribution.

Really enjoying reading the posts especially Bradbourne and Alouisee.