AIBU to be miffed about Chester Zoo?

[Stillinshock123]

I need a space to rant but then I welcome feedback and general common-sense.

Chester zoo have posted about £1 deal for those on benefits such as UC, DLA and PIP.

Now, I understand that for some this may be the only opportunity to attend the Zoo given their already ridiculously high prices.

However AIBU to be upset that yet again working families (full time not claiming parts of UC) don’t seem to benefit from much?

We attend the zoo only once a year because of how expensive it is.. so that’s a luxury. So no thanks, no support or discounts.

I emailed them about this, and they replied saying that it’s part of a charity scheme to give back to families who otherwise can’t afford it. But then.. why shouldn’t it be first come first serve?

I'm a single parent who doesn't qualify for UC. I work full time and I have a subscription for the zoo.

I am happy to pay my subscription and I am also happy that some disabled or poorer children might get to visit the zoo this Christmas. Why are people so mean?

You are only currently entitled to free school meals if you are on UC and earn less than £7,400 a year.

That is changing from September 2026 when everyone on UC will be entitled to free school meals.

What would that look like to you?

If it would include taking things away from disabled children who are already at a disadvantage, how exactly would that be fairer?

So yeah. UC will get you FSM even if you're a high-earner.

As MN helpfully pointed out to a high-earning poster who was experiencing some guilt about whether to claim what they were 'entitled to' but don't need and MN was pointing out it's not just the cash but the other benefits not direct cash like FSM from next September and from this thread, free zoo tickets.

What are you classing as a high earner?

The vast majority of people on UC are on low incomes.
Some people not on UC are also struggling.

For a limited time period the zoo is offering £1 tickets to people on UC. I (and some other people) think this is a positive thing because some children from poorer backgrounds can have a nice day out at Xmas.
It is unfortunate that all struggling families cant access the offer, but the zoo isnt in a position to do full means assessments and audit applications.

It seems a very strange thing to be upset about (particularly if you can afford to visit the zoo yearly). Would it really be better if nobody can access the offer? Frankly, that seems a bit mean-spirited at Xmas time.

Or to put it more simply - how is anyone's life improved by the zoo not offering these £1 tickets?

Exactly. The way some people talk about, you would think they were expecting a tax rebate in the post.

What are you meaning by high earner?

It also gets tiresome hearing those who receive so much help still complaining. It is even more tiresome that many of them are seemingly unable to recognise that there are other poor people who aren’t receiving any help and who are really, really struggling because of it. If you receive benefits at the moment, you are probably doing much better than a lot of people around you.

Your circumstances are no worse than others who receive no help.

It isn’t about the tickets to Chester Zoo. It is a general attitude that this highlights. It is not unreasonable for people to complain about a situation that is continuously unfair. Equally, I don’t blame anyone for taking what is offered.

You offer them at £10 to all families, thereby promoting a feeling of fairness and social cohesion. This has a positive impact on mental well-being and a happier, less divided society where all feel seen and valued. 🙂

It’s not just about the zoo tickets.

It literally is about zoo tickets.
How is anyone's life made worse by a zoo offering cheap tickets to families on UC for a limited time? What 'general attitude' does it highlight?

Perhaps if you list your household income and expenditure, we can suggest ways to cut back? 😊

Maybe the zoo could have structured a diffrent offer. However, im still unclear why offering this one makes anyone worse off. With all the terrible things going on in the world it seems a very strange thing to get upset about. I understand some people who are struggling cant access it, but are there lives really made worse because others can?

They are a £1 for two weeks that started yesterday. Is anyone really thinking about going to the zoo this time of year anyway?

Anyway, merry Xmas to all. I hope anyone who is able to access the £1 tickets has a lovely day out. 🦁🐯🐒

There are important things going on in the world. Get a grip.

The amount people on benefits can get varies so much according to so many factors that is is not fair to make a blanket statement that people on benefits are probably doing better than a lot of people around you.
Remember that the people on the higher amounts also have disabilities or disabled children. Even if you take money out the equation, their lives are already more difficult.
But yes, begrudge them £1 entrance to a zoo.

It’s for the children OP, not the parents.

If we’re going to allow for social mobility and lifting people out of generational poverty, then the children need cultural and learning opportunities.

That is literally bollocks.

It is for anyone on UC/PIP. A childless couple could go. If it was close to me, then I would go.

It's what we're doing on Xmas Eve now. 😂

Hope the weather is okay for you!