To wonder how the UK will look in 3 years time?

[Labradorlover987]

I was inspired to write this after reading the UC post that was just reported - the govt’s welfare bill has passed but was watered down so unlikely to make any real savings.

I earn 40k, have a school age child and just feel like I am living hand to mouth 😩 I 100% think there should be a welfare systems that supports people on low incomes but I wonder how the current system will be sustained in the long run?

Just wondered what other people thought.

I actually wouldn’t mind paying more in taxes if we could be guaranteed more in services etc - for example my council tax just went up and the services seem even worse this year than usual.

I haven't said they aren't entitled or there's fraud. I'm saying that the way the system works has completely disincentivised people from getting better. What is the point in tackling your addiction if you end up worse off financially for it?

We absolutely should support those with addiction to get better and some breathing space to allow this, but it shouldn't be a case that we are providing big financial reason not to.

Their dining room is a matter of feet from my bedroom window. I know far more about their lives than I ever would like to!

You’re implying that they’re fit and well enough to do the things they choose, but not paid employment. So that is fraud 🤷

We’re not the 6th richest country in the world. We are the 6th largest economy, meaning we have one of the largest GDP (total value of goods and services). But, in terms of wealth, we’re about the 31st due to our huge population.

If you think about all the truly wealthy countries such as Qatar, UAE, Switzerland, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Norway, Bahrain etc, there’s no way the UK is anywhere close to being 6th.

What is the point in tackling your addiction if you end up worse off financially for it?

Alcoholism is expensive. Anyone conquering it will automatically be far, far better off immediately.

So you spy on them?

No one is spying on anyone but if you live near people in small communities you get to know them and you know their situation. Some are happy to discuss.

Yes, there are some people who could work (even part time) and it is true that certain loopholes in the benefit system incentivises them to stay in or worsen their situation. Just because you do not know any, others do. It requires a lot of manpower to bring these cases to conviction because of the level of surveillance required. With cash strapped councils/government departments it makes no sense to chase these cases from a financial prospective.

We have moved away from it being shameful to be on benefits (quite rightly) and more along the lines of claim what you are due. However with 23% of working age people in the UK now claiming some form of benefit. It is not wrong to say this is unsustainable and start having conversations about what has happened and more importantly, how to reduce this number.

Labour's current response is just tax working people more and working people are querying this when they see people with minor (in their eyes) disabilities who are not working getting more money than them. Part of the issue is Labour's refusal to define exactly who they mean when they speak about working people. Do they mean people who are over the limit to receive UC or those taking home amounts above 100K or those deemed to be millionaires.

I know there are a lot of lies told on SM about PIP claimants.

It os odd how those lies always include a detailed knowledge about health conditions and benefits recieved. PIP claimants must be very free with their personal info.

I was made redundant because of COVID and didn't want to be reliant on benefits so used pension pot money whilst applying for hundreds of jobs.I had to admit defeat and claim from last year.
Once you're over 55 no one wants you even part time jobs are ridiculous..an example Harry Cory 12 hours a week on a 3shift rotation so you couldn't get another part time job because you're beholden for 12 hours and there are many more of the same.
I now volunteer for NHS to do something worthwhile in the community.

What I find amusing is that you are not allowed to state that SOME people are abusing the system and you know this for a FACT because they either have very loud voices, and take personal calls to DWP in earshot of others! Or are telling you how to claim the maximum amount as they think that is what you want to do and they are helping you.

I knew far more than I would ever want to know about one of my ex neighbours including her health conditions and exactly what she was claiming. She was proud to tell me what she was getting and exactly how she got it.

I can not state that the SM accounts are true but I know my experiences are valid.

You’re lucky you haven’t been told you’re making it all up, that’s usually the way these conversations go.

A suspended Labour councillor who said far-Right activists’ throats should be cut thanked jurors after they cleared him of encouraging violent disorder.

Ricky Jones, 58, faced trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court accused of the offence after he described demonstrators as “disgusting Nazi fascists”.

Just one reason why the UK is sinking into the abyss.

Take away benefits from addicts and see what happens to the crime rate.

I am surprised he got off. But juries sometimes make surprising decisions. I don't know why you think it means the UK is sinking into the abyss, though.

Excuse me - you previously stated that you would not engage with me any more.

Would you like me to retrieve the post in question? Or does your word carry no weight?

I thought perhaps by now it might be possible to have a civil exchange with you.

But no. Lesson learned.

Away with you and your common sense …. 😁

He didn’t get off. A jury found him not guilty.

Yes, of course. That is what I meant.

I know. It’s just one of my pet hates.

This is disgraceful. Whatever side of politics you're on.

I honestly think that people nowadays have really no idea what a nazi actually is or means.

It's incredibly insulting to people whose lives and families were truly affected by nazism.

Yet people still continue to bandy the word about.....

How is PIP “difficult to get” if almost 4 million people get it? This huge number is significantly higher than all other comparable countries. Why? I don’t even blame
people on an individual level as believe exaggerating SEN/Care need is to get cash (as otherwise life would be very hard financially) and by nature humans are greedy and the country as a whole encourages greed and self interest. Social media also spreads how to claim and many jobs also allow people to gain insight to see who is getting what for what etc and ‘you think well they are - so I am’ etc.

How can the OP report for fraud? On paper it isn’t fraud as Tory gment expanded disability legislation to include claimants who to many on the ground would not perceive to be entitled.

Both DLA and PIP claims and entitlment are increasing - not everyone believes the current system works and that all those “entitled” should be. It’s very naive to believe everyone who claims tells the truth or is in genuine “need”

Elon Musk would be entitled to PIP if in the UK. Some believe this is not who the benefit should be for.

The extreme far right still exists in the 90s it was the National Front in BNP,318,Blood and honour the white power music sales and Nazi ideology wing.
The name's change but the message is always the same.

The country has been getting worse since at least the bank financial crash in the noughties, which we all paid to bail us out of. No one government comes out of it well, as it’s so difficult, and I don’t believe there is a single party that will improve it. The balance of rich to poor continues to get bigger, with many more very wealthy. The government(s) will continue to leave them alone, whilst taxing the poor and middle earners. Hopefully, whatever party gets in next time, we will at least be spared Trump look alike gaslighting.