AIBU to think those who never have kids should get a lump sum from the government because they haven't burdened the state?

[daytimelightning]

Starting at this from two viewpoints
a) having children is a lifestyle choice, not a necessity. In much the same way, my dog is a lifestyle choice, not a necessity. The government currently asks some taxpayers to subsidise the expensive lifestyle choices of others (but I don't see my dog getting 30 hours free daycare)
b) the world as a whole is overpopulated. Should the UK find itself short of labour in the future, immigration will provide a source of educated healthy adults in the required numbers.

AIBU to think that anyone who does not have children when they reach the menopause (or equivalent for men, to be clawed back if they subsequently have their first child unusually late in life) should be given a lump sum in recognition of the fact that they have not burdened the state. This could perhaps include

• child benefit, equivalent to 2 children for 18 years = £32198.40 at current rates
• two uncomplicated births on the NHS = £5580 (Guardian figures)
• putting two children through state education age 4-18 = £154,000 (IFS figures; add more for your free nursery hours and any higher education)

(Full sum to be paid to married couples, half each to single people)

I'd also pay those who have only adopted or foster children (as they not responsible for bringing the children into the world) or only children who have died before their 18th birthday (because otherwise it seems a bit harsh).

I'd oppose removing child benefit and the like from those who have children purely because of the impact on child poverty, which impacts those who did not choose to be in that situation and has all sorts of counterproductive effects on things like educational attainment and health outcomes.

However, in short, why are people who choose not to, or who are unable to, have children, asked to pay for those who do choose to have children? Why shouldn't they get something in recognition of how much money they've saved the state? It might also concentrate the minds of those considering having children on a whim / because that's what people do / just because. With the above, everyone ends up getting the same amount sooner or later, it's just that some have it spread out over time and others get it as a lump sum; it would be fairer than the current system.

Wow. Where do you think the next generation of the government will come from?

YABVVVVVU

(a) That is not how the state works. It's not about what individuals put in/get out. We all benefit from having a society with education, healthcare, policing etc, and we pay for that according to ability (more or less) not according to need.

(b) We all benefit from the next generation, whether they are directly related to us. Who do you think will be paying for your pension/nursing care in old age? Other people's children.

Just wondering OP why you decided to post this on a site aimed at parents?

Cool story, bro

1/10

Nice one, OP. I wonder what you'll be tipping the people who wipe your bottom in the nursing home?

We all benefit from a rolling supply of decently-educated mentally stable & healthy young people. YABU.

As long as those of us doing any sort of care for our elderly relatives get the same lump sum

GF.

How do you think society is going to sustain everybody into old age if having children is not a necessity, though?

Just because you don't have children, how are you going to be exempt from needing someone else's child from wiping your bum and helping you shower when you get to old age?

That's what you pay your taxes for, essentially... it's not to fund parents who think it might be a nice thing to have children while you choose not to...

But you were born so you need to pay back what you cost.

Your post is imbecilic. No, you are being v unreasonable

hahaha!

You do realise that education is for the child's benefit and for the state, so that they can be economically viable as adults?

And what if you are childless and earn over £50k you wouldn't get child benefit anyway

So only really left with the costs of the births. I wonder if those without children on average need earlier and more care as they get older as children often do initially look after aging parents.

And of course they haven't contributed any future tax payers.

Hmmm 🤔

Yabvu.
But thank the Lord you didn’t procreate!

My kids' taxes will be paying your pension, so jog on.

It's my children who will be paying for your health and social care when you need it. Yabu

OP what about people that have only had 1 child? do they get the other half of the lump sum ?

Overpopulation isn't caused by people having children but by people living too long. You know what the solution to that is.

And what about those who die young so don't have any care needs in older age? Should they have a lump sum given back to their estate too.

What about people who never go to the doctor? Should they get a rebate.

Or people who privately educate their children?

What about people who never go out at night so don't benefit from street lighting?

Or people who burn their own rubbish?

Calculating all these rebates would probably cost the state a substantial amount, Who should cover the cost of that?

Yes you are being unreasonable.

I only have the one DC so you can have my half if it means that much!

YABU but you already know that

Yeah. You would love me op i.have a disabled child who will never live independently clearly we are leeches on society

Ha ha ha .... I take it you are bored and want some attention!

What about if you pay to have your children privately (instead of on the NHS), aren’t eligible for child benefit as your earn too much and are able to opt for private education? Obviously you’d be rather well off but by your calculations the government should also give you a cash payout since you haven’t cost them anything...

Im childfree by choice OP and i dont agree.

However Carers Allowance should be increased.

And employers should not always default to having those without children always doing the bank holiday/Christmas hours. There are many threads on this site about situations like this.