Fuck it - the government will look me

[Phonicshaskilledmeoff]

I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the way our country is run. I love my country, but what on earth can I do to fix it? the Rachel reeves pension and stamp duty rumours have tipped me over the edge.

I believe 90% of our lives is the summation of our own choices. Bar (some of) our own (and families) health and tragic life events, there is very little we can’t choose in this country.

I’m not saying that the playing field is fair - I absolutely acknowledge that some groups face structural barriers that make good choices harder. Others are unaware those choices even exist. That’s where government should step in—not to equalise outcomes, but to equalise access to meaningful choice.

I think we all acknowledge that bad governments are ones that take away choices. This government, however is also taking away choice by incentivising bad choices. Policies should nudge people toward self-sufficiency, not make state reliance easier than self-reliance, or rewarding short-term decisions over long-term

Our Government should be working towards equitable availability of choice (not equal - see below) to make sure those choices are as easy and available to everyone. Policies should be in place to make sure people are encouraged to make the right choices.

I increasingly feel like I make the right choices and think what was the bloody point!

I’m going to wish I never paid into my pension soon and went on holiday instead! Should I just spend my money, move into a smaller house and quit my job. At this point I think I’d be better off.

Jargon Buster - EQUALITY - It’s assumed there is a level playing field and everyone gets the same resources. EQUITY - Everyone gets what they need to succeed, which may mean different levels of support.

@Polaris81 you replied to my post with comments not relevant to my post. I asked you to explain what you meant in context to my post twice now. I can't comment until you explain yourself.

I don't know what you're talking about. But you can't "overpay" into a pension. You can pay up to a certain amount with tax relief, anything more than that and the money is taxed as normal. The cap is £60k pa, or your earnings, whichever is lower.

So, I'm not sure what you're referring to.

For what feels like the millionth time, PIP is a non means tested benefit. One can receive it while being in full time and even highly paid employment. Some of us are, shockingly, simultaneously both lazy disabled benefits scroungers and tax payers!
I don't even have the energy to get into the details of how a PIP claimant gives up their mobility component, which they would be receiving if not buying a Motibility car, to pay for their vehicle so it isn't costing the sainted tax payers any more money. Perhaps someone else can be bothered rehashing this same old argument, it's starting to feel like banging my head against a brick wall when ignorant posters keep rehashing the same tired old myths about PIP every single day.

@EastGrinstead You don’t understand what a bot is. Who knew? Tax payers are fed up of funding people to sit on welfare or do the absolute bare minimum. Over 50% of people are now state reliant.

The polls show quite clearly that Labour are very poorly regarded. The only place they are popular is on MN where the majority benefit from state largesse. Either through welfare or the public sector.

People who are unhappy with the government and the kite flying are in the overwhelming majority in the real world. Labour supporters on MN cannot compute this so shout bot because they don’t know what else to say. Let’s not forget the full house of: far right and must be a Reform supporter.

The public should also be aware that by cutting the Motabilty scheme there are likely to be major consequences, to the British Car Industry . This if you consider the industry is propped up by the fact 25% of all new car sales come from Motabilty .

Woah is that true? So taxpayers are propping up the car companies too. Madness.

No idea, not seen those reports, and I have zero interest in what cars are on the Motabilty scheme.

Ok, in which case, perhaps you and I can focus on other posters.

All the best.

The benefits don’t grow on a tree, where they go out in the morning and harvest the £ notes because they inherited the three in their backyard.

That is taxpayer funding. And enough funding to buy new cars. More than the majority of non benefit claiming people in work can afford.

Yes, I can link if you need, but as you are not interested, I will leave it.

Exactly!

But apparently I'm a liar 🤷🏻‍♀️

Access to Motability has nothing to do with employment status. My DH used a Motability car for 20 years to get to work, because public transport was and remains mostly inaccessible to him.

If the Motability scheme was scrapped tomorrow, it would save not a penny. But it would impact the motor industry and the financial contribution Motabilty makes to the Treasury and wider economy. Not to mention the tax contribution from working disabled people.

Yes, that’s correct.

Yeah propping up the country and peoples jobs !

and those who get the mobility element of PIP (or DLA for their child) will get that money even if they decide against a car for whatever reason.

Lie. They're not buying the cars, they are leased.

What is the relevance of this. Millions on benefits and over 1000 people a day going onto PIP tells you that this is an absolute joke.

@plumclafoutis, did you read my later post?

She gets pension credits, attendance allowance and WFA. She is not rich, of course, but she lives comfortably. No she cannot go on holidays as a PP said about her mother, but she can now live within her means. Also, I forgot to say full Council tax benefit.

Over 50% of people are now stage reliant.

But this has been the trend since the 70s and is increasing due to wage stagnation, high housing costs & an ageing population.

85% of pensioners are net recipients which isn't unsurprising.

The figure includes the costs of schooling, NHS costs etc

Nothing like that has been officially announced, it is under consideration, looked at as an option.

Yes, it’s called buying the lease. You’re really reaching now because you can’t justify the madness of waste. People are not going to accept this craziness much longer.

What a sad thread. Getting what you wanted OP?

@Polaris81 so you can't explain then 👍🏼

oh what a tragedy. Someone who hasn’t worked and paid enough taxes all their life, only gets to live for free in comfort, but doesn’t get free holidays on top. What is the world coming to. Disgusting.

The difference between our model and theirs is in their countries (I’m thinking Scandinavia) they tax those with low incomes far more heavily. If Rachel Reeves says she’s doing away with the nil rate band and whacking 10% on the basic rate of tax then they’d be uproar.

People want Scandinavian public services without having to pay for them.

Huh?

She hasn't put forward any economic theory, I didn't suggest she had done.