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.

So how do you know you won't be a burden when you get old and maybe have dementure so yes YABU but then you know that anyway

OP you sound very bitter. Either that or you're just being goady for fun

What a ridiculous post by the op.

I have pets. I think my pets should get a tax allowance as well.

So I gather that you are a sorry 'remainer' that see's this as a way of keeping the refugees/economic migrants coming to the UK.

Go way and please do not procreate.

Completely idiotic.

Better speak to your parents

I am childless by choice and have to say I think YABU.
However I do think single people pay above the odds for things. Same price for single occupancy hotel room, no option to have couples railcard, obviously running a home in half the income. I’d be in favour of more benefits/discounts for single people (though not a lump sum as tou suggest!)

Sees not see's.

I was prepared to listen until you equated people to dogs. Dogs don't put into the system at all, don't become productive members of society etc.

Sorry, I can’t be bothered to RTFT, just going on your first few sentences. —because that’s all you deserve—
You don’t get to take out of the state what you put in. It doesn’t work like that. It’s not a fucking savings scheme. As a family of higher rate taxpayers, with four DDs, we’ve probably put in more than we’ve taken. We are all totally ok with that.

I hand you this year's Darwin Award for being not the very brightest of this world. Hopefully your gene pool will be self-limiting

And perhaps a Government allowance for growing bee friendly plants in my garden?

Yes great idea. As long as anyone that bumps you off as soon as you get too old or disabled can get a lump sum from preventing our children’s taxes paying for your care.

You owe the government the money it took to educate you because it could be used on someone else - And if you were privately educated - ask for your money back.

0/10

I bought into and repeated rubbish like this when I was a foolish young man. Well, I'm still a man, bit I'm no longer young, and I hope I am not so bloody foolish. OP Does your local grip-shop also sell elementary common sense?

Presumably you had a free education, your mother gave birth to you in a hospital etc so you have benefited from society. Every child has the right to. A child's education and healthcare are not gifts to the parent, they are the rights of the child.

Yeah, that Darwin thing.

@daytimelightning Well aren't you a lovely lump of kindness! I hope as you get older you do not cost the NHS anything or receive a state pension. It may be my DD who looks after you in your old age, (without her education she wouldn't be able to) she is a child that has received Child Benefit and Tax Credits! She will then be paying for your care and pension!

I am actually glad I have 3 babies! Just so I can bring 3 children up in the world who are already less rude and pathetic as yourself!

I feel your Sunday night isn't going to plan and you need to vent some misguided anger!
Crack on with that! But seriously if you are going to vent about something, make sure you have a real and backed up point!

Yabvu and frankly I find some of your suggestions abhorrent. DFOD

OP, your post is indeed imbecilical.

Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all known life; procreation of the species is a somewhat necessity, don't you think?
Albeit not all should clearly partake of the aforementioned procreation as there's a need to rid said species of abovementioned imbeciles. Voila! Darwin Awards....

The problem is if everyone thought like you and there were no more children, then the world will die out in a generation!

When you are old my children might be your Doctor, bus driver, plumber, street cleaner or politician. The money spent raising these children helps society as a whole.

My friend has 4 dc I’ve only got 3 so I want the extra money that she got for that extra child.

Lol. You're either dumb or you're looking for an argument.

Why should they? They may well cost the state more - they have no children to look after them in their dotage so will be more reliant on state funded care if they have rented rather than bought.

The way our society works is some people pay for others; you are paying taxes and I don't but I am doing work which directly benefits the state and society, I will be working well into my 'retirement' and so will be contributing longer than somebody who has taken early retirement. In theory I can retire in 8 years but there is no way I'll be able to afford it so will be working until I physically cannot carry on any longer.