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?

I had one of them pesky dependant kids, Katie. I'd been married 10 years and everything when she turned up and her father turned into a violent twat. I tried to swap her for a kitten or something, but couldn't.

There is nothing wrong with people having opinions but that is all they are.

People need to do some deep research before spouting off though. Please do not believe everything you see/hear through the media. Bigger picture and all that...

Are these opinions a bit like feelings? I have a feeling right now but Talk Guidelines prevent me from expressing it.

If only I'd been more sensible, eh?

** Yeeeah, that's why you are poor I think?

tethersend You can't beat water from the Top End.....

Are you an MP ????

Pmsl

two brad, I know a woman with three children and a high earning job and high earning husband. the husband got killed in a road accident, the wife got sick, the money went, they lost their house and everything else. by your logic no onecshould have kids because none of US can see what the future may hold. thats why it's called a SAFETY NET

I wish I could explain more about the need for me to be so opposed to the mainstream views here and it has been horrific to have to be so abhorrent. Thank you all.

Twobras, can I ask you a question? I hope you dont mind me saying this but you come across as though you are full of anger and hatred for people who are living in poverty, and I keep thinking, that cant really be true can it? That someone can actually be full of vengeful spite towards other human beings, simply because they are poor and need assistance. Have I misunderstood?
Do you feel this same level of indignation at other people who happen not to be at the lower end of the income scale...like MPs, bankers, tax avoiders etc, or do you literally just feel this level of anger towards people who have very little and whose prospects are limited?

Not everyone can afford to save and even if they can its not going to be enough too live off indefinitely, so if they are I hired and can't work or have a child with special needs that they then can't get child care for or there simply is not a new job to get.

Savings won't last long if you are lucky enough to have them.

definitely an MP.

TwoBras

Can you explain your last post, please.

I agree with you, OP.

The government is giving £millions to cities for super-fast broadband installation because it recognises its importance to jobs & skills and quality of life.

Thus broadband access is a necessity, as much as fuel costs, and any voucher scheme should recognise this.

We're all just a few unlucky events away from being one of these feckless benefits claimants ourselves. Serious accident meaning you can't work, a few things breaking around the house, costs of living, bills... What seems like a lot of savings get eaten up quickly. And then what.

Let's all just have a bit of compassion for those less fortunate. We need to come up with a solution to stop the small minority of people who do exploit the benefits system, not punish everyone for claiming. Peace and love and that.

YANBU OP

I'm sure someone's mentioned that "The Poor" will be fine because they all get free iPads with their job seekers allowance etc etc.

I'm sure some people have a real blind spot when it comes to those who are well off. Almost as if they think they're sub human in some way

People are so incredible selfish and self centred. It's sad.

Is TwoBras trying to suggest some kind of reverse AIBU, like a departing MiliDavid just having a final rummage into our consciouness, for instance?

Am amazed that a 40 minute bus ride and a 10 minute walk is considered a marathon.

Yes, that's what it sounds like to me LineRunner. Like she's doing some research into wankers so has to pretend to be one to elicit the reactions of strangers to wankerdom.

Apologies if I've got this wrong and you really are one, TwoBras

But there are:

• libraries
• internet centres/cafes
• job centres
• CAB
• people you know

And probably some other ways
And of course some people will struggle to access those but I can't help thinking those people will be statistically few. A rare breed of people who can't get online at all. Not ever.

20%/ nkf. Thats how many currently do not have internet access.