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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think it won't be long before we have workhouses again?

333 replies

MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:11

I really know very little about politics but I know that there's a proportion of people who love benefits bashing and love abusing those who receive housing benefit etc.

It occurred to me recently that one "answer" to the housing crisis might be a sort of "Housing Centre" ....basic blocks of flats sort of thing...where occupants lose a portion of their JSA in return for a roof...and from there it's a step to being given food vouchers as part of benefits and working on a voluntary basis....litter picking etc.

Could this happen? Could a government legislate and make this happen?

OP posts:
mypoosmellsofroses · 02/02/2015 22:24

I agree with your fear, I do wonder whats next in the "How much more can we stigmatise the unemployed" climate that we seem to be in at the moment.
Have just come off benefits, and prior to this period of unemployment, had a brief spell a few years back. I was shocked by the difference in things, especially the attitude of JobCentre staff. Before, when I signed on, they wanted to help, this time I felt like I was being punished from my first appointment onwards.

sliceofsoup · 02/02/2015 22:24

wizard

The problem is not expecting people to work in order to receive money. That is after all, the foundation of the job market. The issue is expecting people to do a job for less than what a worker is worth.

If the job exists, then pay them the going rate, and they won't need to claim unemployment benefits.

Whats so difficult to understand about that?

Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:25

miss good post. I think you can see that this thread is about my prediction. I think this is exactly what could...in a similar shape at least...happen in the near future.

Dirty oh they'd be clean...and there'd be no skinny kids at the gates...but there would be desolation and the destruction of an entire class.

OP posts:
RandomNPC · 02/02/2015 22:26

If there is work for someone to do, then pay a proper wage for someone to do it! If the unemployed are forced to work for benefits, then:

  1. It undercuts people in work: we either have a minimum wage or we don't.
  2. Who benefits? Apart from an employer cutting costs that is. Society and the working poor don't.

I'm fucking sick of this relentless race to the bottom, and the stupid bastards who blame the poor for being poor. Guess what? The rich and powerful are looking and laughing at you for being so fucking thick and not turning on them, because they've got you thinking exactly what they want you to think.

RJnomore · 02/02/2015 22:28

Quite scary seeing it written down like that and looking at how far along the process we are, howcani.

Im going for "home fare" as the name when it kicks in.

It'll be written up as work fare training with supported accomodation for people who are unable to manage their own finances, particularly those who are struggling with monthly payments under universal credit.

Fuck, I think we may be onto the big plan here.

Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:29

RJ exactly/

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:30

Even the term "Universal Credit" has the chime of doom about it.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 02/02/2015 22:31

SOCIAL HOUSING DOESN'T MEAN BENEFITS.

Why man why do people think like that nuts wall it really just makes the average person look like a dick when they say it. Hmm

Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:32

So if the Tories plan to slash the benefits bill...according to

this article in the Guardian a lot of families will be forced to relocate due to being unable to pay their rent.

Hmm. Where will they go I wonder?

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:33

Gamer I live in social housing and you'd be amazed how many people think "It's free"

Hmm Right on.

OP posts:
gamerchick · 02/02/2015 22:34

Then why even bring it up in the first place then?

ConferencePear · 02/02/2015 22:35

Before them, there was absolutely no provision for the elderly, ill or those unable to work.

This simply isn't true. Before the workhouses each parish looked after its own poor. In effect, then as now, most of the recipients were the old, the sick and children.

MorrisZapp · 02/02/2015 22:35

I'm no historian but I've read a few books about the workhouses. We are not ever going back to anything even vaguely like that.

I'm sorry to say that I think the number of people on here and other SM saying 'mark my words, they'll bring back workhouses' despite absolutely no evidence or even hint that such a thing is on the cards, makes me wonder if they'd punch the air with triumph if the gvt did announce such a scheme.

Because they want the government to be utter bastards. It confirms their world view.

Onthedoorstep · 02/02/2015 22:36

I think this is exactly what will happen to eldercare. I don't actually think there's any other option, looking at the finances involved.

Timeforabiscuit · 02/02/2015 22:37

One persons workhouse is anothers supported accommodation with life skills and employability provision.

Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:37

Gamer you're missing my point entirely. I have brought it up because the vast majority of people who live in SH are vulnerable from a financial point of view.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:38

Morris call them what you want but they're still the same thing.

Biscuit exactly.

OP posts:
lougle · 02/02/2015 22:42

It's not voluntary if you're compelled to do it, either overtly or by design.

EatShitDerek · 02/02/2015 22:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sallyingforth · 02/02/2015 22:43

Oh and it will be run by tesco most likely

No, most likely Sodexo. They seem to pick up most of the cheap government contracts.

Nerf · 02/02/2015 22:46

The mp thing - I really don't understand why functional, nice hotel type rooms can't be used. How often does an mp have to spend weeks away from home? Lots of people stay out one night for work. Travel expenses and a hotel with wifi etc.

RandomNPC · 02/02/2015 22:46

Nah, tesco are on the way out. It'll be run by Virgin and that cunt Branson.

Original poster
MrsTawdry · 02/02/2015 22:47

Derek no it's not. It's a step further.

I reckon the local councils would just make use of people in cleaning streets ad carrying out repairs...cut their bills. Oh...and poundland of course.

OP posts:
MorrisZapp · 02/02/2015 22:48

Sorry, what is the same thing?

Justanotherlurker · 02/02/2015 22:49

Hmm, think you have proven yourself that you don't understand politics by pulling out a report made by a housing association that they are worried about those solely relying on benefits can't afford there 'affordable rents', there is a whole other argument to be made that those just above the threshold generally are expected to move due to rent increases or work and yet seem to be forgotten.

You could come back with the universal income etc like the greens proposed and have just today put on the back bench as even they realise there is no magic money tree.

Your not naive with politics, your trying to push an agenda, just come out and say who you think can do better.

Also inb4: herr de herr, large companies should pay more tax etc..