To think its completely outrageous for the govt to not include internet access as a necessity on the voucher programme when

[MadameDefarge]

they are now demanding all benefit applications and correspondence has to be online? I think it is disgusting. Its pushing already marginalised and often vulnerable people beyond the edge. In our Borough over 20% of folk do not have internet access. These people are generally the poor, the foreign, those with MH issues. Is this just another step to ensure the poorest most vulnerable members of society have no voice or access to services?

Let's hope you don't ever get sick or injured or lose your job unexpectedly, you heartless bastards.

I'm guessing that is aimed at me. I already did lose my job! But when I WAS earning I didn't spend all of my money - I saved it when I could for circumstances where I might need it. How hard is it to live WITHIN your means???

No I think it's fine to spout outrageous bollocks on the interweb. But it is a bit much to hark on when everyone someone calls you on your outrageous bollock spouting.

McDonalds has free internet. Yes but you need a phone/laptop to use it

Low income families who can barely afford to feed their children every week are not and DO NOT have a phone or such device. There is no money to get one.

originally, Beveridge intended the welfare state to be a temp safety net for the working family that had fallen on hard times. the money wad to come from the unions that the working man ( and it was predicated on man working, woman at home) had paid in. of course, those jobs, and unions have been destroyed, the so-called free market holds sway, and there are loads of people with no way or means of being part of it.

I know and work with a lot of families who this will be a huge issue to.

The people I know without internet connection

1. A mother of 3, her bxh left her in debt which she is paying off, out of her benefits which are supposed to be for one adult and 2 kids, but actually are 2 adlts and 3 kids living in her house. One is her current partner (dont worry is declared) they are spending money on his training o he can get a job, he is a qualified elctrician (abroad) but had to do some sort of conversion course and was givin electricians mate card instead of electrician and the appeal costs money. So anyway she cant afford internet and doesnt have a smart phone.

2. A woman living with her kids in b and b escaping DV

3. a single mum living in temporary accommodation

4. a married mum with 2 kids, sick husband signed of but not recieving esa living in temporary accommodation.

5)jamaican mother of 2, who is in process of sorting out her immigration status (has been for last 7 or 8 years, still waiting for decision, multiple appeals etc) she hasnt got bank account, sub lets council properties spends all money on getting kids to school.

Most people without internet access are vulnerable IME

And I think it is a bit much when a bunch of adults who are intelligent women and men disagree with my opinion on an open forum and resort to daft passive aggressive comments. It adds nothing to the debate, but hey, anyone who disagrees is wrong, right?

It was my opinion. I make no apology for that.

How hard is it to live WITHIN your means???
Can be very hard if you live on the bare min. This is why they have no access to the internet. Understand?

TwoBras, don't let them beat you- of course you're allowed an opinion.

Especially when you're brave enough to post an uninformed one.

I mean, my opinion might be that you're feeling a bit lonely out there in Wolf Creek and started to post stuff to deliberately inflame strangers on the internet in order to distract yourself from the gnawing sense of emptiness that grows inside with each passing day, but I'm just not brave enough to post it. Not like you.

Agree with everyone here except TB!

How shortsighted to assume everyone has internet, how excluding and damaging.

Low income families who can barely afford to feed their children every week are not and DO NOT have a phone or such device. There is no money to get one.

Well don't have bloody kids and expect others to pay for them!!!! Really?! THAT is your input?! Christ!!!!!

So twobras is a 'taxpayer' who is currently living in Australia earning nothing at present...

Oh shit! I got sucked in by another ignorant comment after saying I wasn't going to play with TwoBras anymore...

tethersend You went and Googled film? Says more about you I'm afraid. And as for the description.....grow up. Accept others have a different opinion.

Ah woolly!! Why would I not earn tax? Pray tell?

TwoBras

Right.

:) love it bless you. Media has done its job on you.

Oh yes. The don't have children you can't afford opinion.

If you should fall on hard times at any point in the twenty years or so you have a dependent child for you should go back in time and just not have them!

Fucking feckless time-travelling bastards

Oh no, I didn't need to Google Wolf Creek, it's etched on my soul forever

So- I need to accept that you have a different opinion to mine, but your opinion of my opinion is that it's... wait. Hang on.

Can you explain it again?

Are you really at Wolf Creek? Because if you are, I may actually shit my pants all over the thread.

Can everyone please just stop being all mean to TwoBrasOneBraincell? She is just saying her opinion. Never mind that it makes her look small minded and bigoted, she is allowed and you should all just Think On.

Oh sorry, not clear there.

You are right that you are wrong.

Why would I not earn tax?

People shouldn't have opinions they can't afford and expect everyone else to support them?

Is that right?

Am I close?

MadameDefarge - YANBU

Some of the attitudes shown on this thread are shocking.

TwoBras - I lived on benefits when I first left my ex. I didn't have money to save, not even a tenner a week, and I can guarantee you I didn't have a plasma tv, I don't smoke, I rarely drink, I didn't run the car unless absolutely necessary.