Child benefit and large families

[skinnywhippet]

Just seen an advert for a family which have 15 children www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8972550/Fifteen-children-and-counting....html
I worked out they must be claiming around £8000 a year, tax free, in child benefit. Aibu to be irritated that they can claim such a huge amount, uncapped, regardless of how many children they have?
They seem a lovely family and I'm no at all annoyed with them, but at the government. One family can claim such a large amount, yet my family are not entitled to anything.
I know I am being unreasonable, but I am just fed up with the inconsistency of the government. Why do middle income families always end up being punished?

Cogito- lots of children might be deemed irresponsible because those who make the choices don't pay for them. Having 15 children is a huge drain on resources. The family probably 'take out' much more than they contribute to the sate money pot.

OP you are entitled to Child benefit on the figures you gave us.

So I'm not sure what your problem is

You don't have kids, why should you have CHB?

OP you're suggesting population control via restriction of benefits. In a nut shell.

It doesn't work.

See 'Victorian London'.

Manic insomniac- not judging the family! Judging the government?
I think child benefit should be scrapped altogether! I was just using that family as an example. I didn't make my point very well!

OP when you have children, if you chose to, will you refuse your child benefit or happily except it despite earning a lot more than some families who have had it stopped?

I only ask as you are clearly unhappy with the injustice in it all so can't for one minute think you would claim what you are allowed when it is so unfair on other families.

The family probably 'take out' much more than they contribute to the sate money pot.

Oh, it's a benefits bashing thread.
Bit soon after Christmas, op.

A benefit bashing thread that actually makes no sense at all

Happy news op

You too can get child benefit - so start breeding. 15 kids is going to take a while though :)

OP why are you moaning about your family being entitled to CB when you don't have children?

not being! not being entitled .....

The government should get rid of cb?? They are trying to by making changes.....

LineRunner even more bizarre the OP would be entitled should she decide to have children.

Jaqueline - I would accept it as if I was entitled to it as I would not wish to disadvantage myself. Parents already get free education for their children, free prescriptions, nursery vouchers etc. What is child benefit designed to be used for? Why not just give a more specified benefit such as free school uniform? The labour government threw money at child poverty, but rather than improve it worsened in real terms?

Line runner - why do I have to have children to show an interest? I am also interested in the winter fuel allowance payment and the way continuing care is assessed in the uk, but I am neither of pension age or suffering from a debilitating illness.

Surely your thread should have simply been 'I think the Government should just scrap child benefit and be do ne with it'

Instead you have come on bleating about the poor hard done by middle classes not getting the money when a family that has 15 children does.

Really poor form OP and ridiculous baiting.

Your household salary is 2.5x more than average, yet YOU should be entitled to it?! You're the grabby one.

No, OP, you said you "my family are not entitled to anything" and gave salary amounts, and then you said "I don't actually have children yet".

That is a contradiction.

Are you going to start a thread about 'old people on PENSION BENEFITS are stealing MY money'? Or just pick on a family in the press?

How about 'People who aren't me should get nothing, ever'?

I agree Jaqueline! I messed up the title. Must think more before posting in haste in future. I just saw the tv advert and mumsnet was open and I rushed in. Not meant to intentionally bait. I really a, not interested in 'grabbing' more in reducing a benefit which seems to have no particular purpose. Personally, I feel it should be scrapped for household incomes over £26 k. Although, not trying to judge the family I mentioned in the original post, I find it hard to believe they would have had as many children if they weren't entitled to as much child benefit.

What is child benefit designed to be used for? Why not just give a more specified benefit such as free school uniform?

So your issue isn't about the benefit being paid but about what it is people spend it on!

Skinny, as you've yet to have children and live on £26k id like to personally say that you have no fecking idea.

Liner under- my family (as in me and hubby) would not be entitled to full child benefit if we were to have children at the moment based on current salaries. I am 24 so don't wish to have children for another few years, but which stage we might not be entitled to anything. I know that seems confusing. I'm not trying to hide the fact I don't have children! I do want children at some stage and was trying to work out the implications of maternity leave, benefits etc.

My great grandmother was one of 21 LIVE children, this predates any state benefits and they managed to survive as did many others. Don't judge people because you link children + benefits.