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.

@Swiftie1878 thanks, so they don't see them as ordinary workers but still workers as opposed to non workers?

45k seems a random number.

The manifesto pledge to not raise taxes for working people could fall down if Labour do the NI / tax 2p approach.

It is said to only go up to a threshold which means teachers, police, NHS etc are earning over it.

It’s on another thread I’ll paste it over

And this is stated like they aren’t already paying more.
I can’t imagine being a single mum on 45k being told I have broad shoulders.

Correct on both!

@EasternStandard but you said "Actually being in the group defined as not working "

is a very weird way to frame it. The NI/tax increase does make sense but I don't understand the 45k cut off.

why not align it with the higher rate band although I think that should be lifted anyway.

I have no idea. I don’t think train drivers would class themselves as such. Bobbys on the beat certainly never were.

Here you go. If this happens then I’d say they’re toast.

On Friday, the Chancellor told the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that she planned to raise income tax by 2p, which will be offset by a 2p cut to NI, allowing her to argue that “working people” are being protected.

But it has since been reported that the NI cut would apply only to those earning less than £50,270 – meaning a significant tax rise for millions of middle earners.

This includes 283,000 NHS staff, 137,000 teachers as well as police officers, pharmacists and train drivers.

Labour doesn’t define you as ‘working people’ once you earn over £45k. It’s the ever shrinking pool of people they haven’t gotten around to screwing over as yet, they’ve only had 14 months though so give them time. It’s not a weird way to frame it, it’s just stupid.

They are trying to protect those they consider lower income earners but their didn’t want to mention class nor offend anyone so we’ve ended up with this nonsense word salad that means very little to anyone.

But it has since been reported that the NI cut would apply only to those earning less than £50,270 – meaning a significant tax rise for millions of middle earners.

That cut off at least makes more sense from an admin perspective. Why are people saying 45k?

They’ve painted themselves in a corner with this rubbish. It’ll cost them.

I think there was a definition floating around from the treasury on request from Labour, at £45k

ok thank you

They know they’re a one term party. If I’m right, then the plan is to continue to cause financial chaos and force a few million more people to become state dependent under the hopes they save a couple of seats.

Our political system is just a merry-go-round of charlatans shitting the bed and then blaming the previous government for shitting the bed. Capitalism has failed.

Now they’re all trying to court reform voters by proving who can be most jingoistic, insulting reform voters and everyone else whilst being culturally bankrupt and self-serving.

This constant appalling rhetoric that it isn’t billionaires hoarding wealth, private landlords exploiting people or greedy self-serving execs ruining the nhs; no it’s actually people who were born somewhere else 🙄

Pathetic.

Yes, you're right, the working poor and the young are the ones who have been failed so much.

I recall when I was starting work at 18, a good few years ago because I’m mid 50s now, my company had made it compulsory for staff to pay into a private pension. Had I had a choice though, I would have opted out, because I think when you’re young you don’t even think about getting older. You want the extra money for your social life. But how glad I am now that it was compulsory, or I’d probably not have started paying in until many years after.

You need a degree now to be a teacher or police officer, not sure about train drivers. Even more lovely potential student debt.

Train drivers no because one of my mates is studying to be one currently. Looking at the income bracket I guess we are saying HGV drivers are middle class and many tradesmen.

£80k to drive a train. Very good

I’m pretty sure it’s not 80k immediately.

I’d say it’s more about the educational requirement than the income. A university lecturer for example would be an occupation you’d put in the middle class but that person would probably earn less than a builder, which you wouldn’t necessarily.

Yes, Labour like to expand their voter base by increasing the number of people on handouts.

Nail. Head.