I don't understand how so many people on Mumsnet simply refuse to accept that there are people who, whether intentionally, or by just letting it happen, build up large entitlements to tax credits and/or benefits by having large families.
I have 13 nieces and nephews by way of 3 siblings. Two of those are supported by parents that work (one full time in a professional job and the other part time low paid). That family are entitled to nothing except child benefit.
Then there is a family with 5 DCs where the parents work very part time hours, just enough to maximise their TC entitlement. They get over £20k per year in tax credits etc and this does not include any childcare help or rent as they own their own home.
Then there is the third family that have 6 DCs, and neither parent has ever worked much at all. They rent so will be effected by the benefit cap, despite living in the north in social housing so not expensive.
The above circumstances are not unusual at all. I also know another married couple that live separately but are in a relationship and have 8 children between them, neither work, so that is two more large families probably receiving £20k+ pa in benefits.
I'm not saying that parenting lots of children is easy, but I think it is very naive to believe that it doesn't happen and I think it is very childish to shout down anyone that says it does on here with posts about goats.