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?

20% of the population can't get online ever? Not ever? Can't go to a library, pay 50p to £1 at an internet cafe. Use the job centre?

20%. thats the figure. there is a link upthread which shows the data. HTH.

Oh good grief, so glad I was out for the day!

I hope they were sockpuppeting from a library.

Or a McDonald's.

Or both.

some seriously good posts from pagwatch here (amongst others)

Fucking hell.

Twobras, you live in the armpit of the U.K., Glasgow, with its extreme poverty, deprivation and inequalities. I live in Glasgow. I'm not extremely poor or deprived but it's pretty difficult to miss those who are.

I've not seen an internet cafe since 1990 fucking 9.

What time is it on your time line then?

So, did anyone just watch Breadline Britian on ITV? If not, for god's sake find it and watch it. It ws heartbreaking.

Sorry but if a 40 minute bus ride and a 10 minute walk is too much then they have no need for internet access for job applications as they would never manage to cope with any commuting should they manage to get a job.

living. do me the courtesy of actually reading the OP.

paradise. she now lives in oz.

Yeah she's only been there for 3 weeks. I should have said lived.

We were getting ridiculously worried today (as every month) as,despite both working (albeit dh p/t and me only 30 hours a week) and bringing in 'reasonable' money, we have had hideous sudden unexpected outgoings this month. Every month something 'crops' up and it's hard. BUT the programme I just mentioned made me feel desperate for some people, working and yet totally stuck - food or heating? birthday present or cheap shoes for the kids? This is the reality. One woman was stuck in a damp infested hovel with 4 children and her mother. they could only use two rooms - she works every hour she can and yet cannot get out of the trap. That;s wrong

I have read the OP. - i was responding to those who thought that the internet access was necessary for job applications as no one could be expected to do the bus/walk marathon to the library. That ok with you?

'I fashioned a computer out of ham once' is quite possibly the best thing I have read on MN. Ever.

'No - they have just made some stupid decisions in their lives. But hey, someone else will pay for those mistakes!'

Perhaps I should have aborted my autistic son then twobras

So you as a tax payer don't have to pay for his DLA

Do.Fuck.off

you can get online at the library where I live.
Perhaps iPads should be included as a necessity on the voucher programme, so people have a device to access the internet as well

Isn't the "voucher programme" just meant for crisis loans/social fund, not for all benefits? I thought benefits were still going to be paid in cash? Have I missed something?

Thanks fireside but that particular sarcastic remark has already been made several pages back... No-one has suggested anyone needs to be given a laptop or iPad. They have, however, suggested that there needs to be other ways to claim. HTH.

Internet access is a necessity, I believe. So many things are only available online or the cost is far cheaper, and the odd half hour at a local library is not enough.

God this thread is full of oddballs and bigots.

I have been to the pub. I cannot further this debate but I do want a computer fashioned from ham please.

If one in five people can't get on the Internet then yes it is wrong to have a system that insists they use it.