Firstly maisie, are you near Croydon (you said you were involved in the riots, or did you say you were 'up north' - long thread & tired eyes)? I would be interested in your building work if you still need someone. I need more work and know other people who do too.
Secondly since there are some very distressed posters upset about paying for other people's benefits can anyone reassure them by suggesting what they could pay for instead. My taxes can go to benefits, yours can go to UK citizens who lose money in Cyprus bank accounts, export guarantees, enterprise zones and child protection social workers. UK taxpayers do loads of stuff with the intention of making our country a better place to live, there must be some of it you agree with.