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.

Not many. Tens of Millions apparently, despite never having contributed enough to draw down the balance and no intention of ever doing so. And therein lies the problem.

You are making your argument look more farcical with every post. It just gets worse, and explains why the whole system is an absolute colossal waste and offensive largesse.

You would receive a very small amount of UC as a single unemployed person. Far less than the wage you would be giving up

I’m UPS3 (26 years teaching!) and will now be dragged into the higher tax bracket. I have been in the higher tax bracket before when I had TLR but I gave it up when it was obvious DS was ASD as I couldn’t commit to giving “my all”.

I will accept the drag - I benefited from my early years - but I am concerned about future teachers. No one will want to progress and we will have a conveyor belt of ECTs.

Ah good point, I think mine got destroyed by the brain tumour.

@MrsMurphyIWish but the Tories froze the tax bands. I don't disagree that they should be lifted. I was just making the point that plenty of public sector workers have been paying more taxes.

@MNLurker1345oh so you mean that she lives frugally without incurring debt. No equity but no debt and limited income.

The phrase ‘living comfortably’ for those retired that now own their house outright and have private pensions and other savings usually refers to being able to afford to upkeep on a large house that exceeds need, run a car, visit garden centres, cinema. theatre, eat out and holiday abroad etc. Minimal or no debt or housing costs but medium/high levels of income plus equity.

The idea that people are living comfortably on benefits (whilst not also working) at the cost of tax payers is a lie that needs to be challenged. People don’t understand the benefit system let alone the disability system. Politicians don’t even understand the system. Or are deliberately misunderstanding.

Its bloody obvious to anyone with any understanding of the process that ‘mild anxiety’ won’t score enough points for a PIP award never mind score 12 points on mobility so why the narrative that those with mild anxiety get a mobility car?

We should do a FOI request to see how many of those with a primary diagnosis of mild anxiety were awarded PIP and at what level for daily living and mobility and the number awarded mobility at higher level chose the mobility scheme.

We need actual facts to counter the unsubstantiated narrative.

Not many. Tens of Millions apparently, despite never having contributed enough to draw down the balance and no intention of ever doing so. And therein lies the problem.

Who are the tens of millions who haven't contributed enough, are you referring to pensioners @WildLimePoet?

We need actual facts to counter the unsubstantiated narrative

Politicians don’t like to work with facts and truth as the general populace don’t like to hear it. If we got the truth I think I’d be more annoyed.

Westminster voting intention (Latest: 11 pt Reform lead)
Reform 31%, Labour 20%, Tory 17%, Lib Dem 13%, Green 10%

I didn’t post those words. Think you’ve got me confused with another poster.

Then an estimate should be made for taxis, and it should certainly be lower than the cost of leasing a car!

@Swiftie1878 I know you didn't, that was the poster I replied to. I was just saying I didn't interpret their post as a could....

And you completely ignore HB, free prescriptions, free dental, no tax, unemployed discounts, no commuting costs or work clothes etc. All this leaves people very marginally better off (if at all) working minimum wage jobs. And if people get disability benefits there would be a very good chance they'd be better off.
It's the working poor, not the rich, middle earners, the pensioners, disabled or unemployed who have been completely and utterly failed by this country.

Go on then. Give up your job. I dare you.

I'm not working poor, I'm quite well off and love my job.

I dont hear those on benefits saying they want to work?

And yes, governmnet needs to spend way less.

Thought so.

@Damnthetorpedoes thanks

I do find that somewhat confusing. Reform
wants to reduce the welfare bill but that would directly impact some of their voters.

It's the working poor, not the rich, middle earners, the pensioners, disabled or unemployed who have been completely and utterly failed by this country

As a group current pensioners have not been failed by this country, the young have.

Ah, sorry! Misunderstood again.
Yes, I just give them the benefit of the doubt!

Farage's own constituency has 60% claiming benefits.

no probs

🙋‍♀️ on benefits, desperate to work here.

@PandoraSocks that is what confuses me.