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?

... you know thats a narrative fed to you by billionaires who openly discuss driving a 'common enemy' narrative to make money, right? They literally sit in rooms and discuss it as a tactic. And then they make 1 out of a 100 people look like 99 out of 100 people. You are being manipulated, to make billionaires money.
Im not denying there are some people who do it as a choice, having grown up surrounded by poor families, but the idea its a MAJORITY is so wrong I dont even know where to start.

Do you think those on benefits have always been on benefits?

I know what it's like and I much preferred my life without having to rely on benefits.

No, you don't. UC doesn't work like that.

Not the point of the thread I know but have you considered getting membership at a place like a zoo OP? Yes it’s an expensive outlay but works out much, MUCH cheaper per visit. We pick one place a year to get membership at and then basically that is our paid for day out place for that year, any other days out we just do for free (mainly national trust when they do their free vouchers). We are currently spending £20 a month for one adult and two kids to go to our local zoo (you get free visits to other zoos around the country too) so we go once a month and take a picnic, great day out for £20 as it includes a soft play too. We also ask for money towards membership for places as Christmas presents too or days out tickets / vouchers.

Ironically Chester's scheme, which is the first I've seen anyone complain about on here, is extremely limited in comparison to most of the schemes of this type.

It's literally for two weeks, and is a charity scheme that includes people on PIP and DLA, which most of them don't.

It's not, it's a fact I see regularly both in my own friendship groups and through my work.
Don't try and deny the reality many people live with.
Among my friends who aren't wealthy the only people I know still managing regular day trips etc are those who get benefits.
Everyone else (bar those on high incomes) has cut every cost to the bone

I've never claimed benefits despite having been VERY poor and struggling in the 90s/2000s when I had my son and his useless dad buggered off. I've worked since I was 21, so around 30 years.

But this scheme doesn't bother me in the slightest. If it teaches kids to respect animals then I'm all for it. Zoos give me the ick though as I'm an animal lover.

Oh I know quite a number of people who not only do this but brag about it

And several in my department who refuse all my offers to (permanently) increase their hours

I could afford to take my kids and wouldn’t expect to receive a subsidy as I’m on a good income so I’ve no skin in the game. I also think where disability is involved there are perhaps different considerations.

Disability aside, i think all the people getting sanctimonious with OP aren’t really engaging with the resentment which is not unreasonably caused when people working full time and earning too much to be able to receive state welfare are unable to afford to do something which others are given for free (or £1). That’s not levelling the playing field. That’s lifting those on welfare benefits ABOVE those who exceed the cut off.

Of course there are all sorts of reasons why people might either not work or work part time and be in receipt of UC. Some of these reasons are more legitimate than others so it’s complex, but it shouldn’t be hard for anyone to see why people struggling financially and unable to afford the zoo but not able to access this offer feel sore about it and that they are being punished for hard work.

It’s a fact because your friends do it 😂 how many is that? Does it represent 60 million people? Are they all your friends?

you are in cloud cuckoo land - half the population - show us the stats on that please

you are playing into the hands of the wealthy just as pp said

There is an AET that people have to reach by earning which stops work commitments. It is usually more than 16 hours.

I do wonder how many of the 40% of UC claimants who work and shout if from the roof tops actually work full time hours (35/40). I think it’s unfair that someone choosing to do the bare minimum of hours (18 I think at present) to argue it’s justified they’re being topped up and deserve discounted trips and days out is actually insane.

Just because we work means we don’t struggle? Or have hardships. Hold on I’ll just tell my nanny to write to my accountant who can cc my lawyer about my greviences.

They are your work colleague? Don't they work hard?

They also have more children.

You clearly earn high enough to not be topped off.

I dont get it?

Quit your job or get a disability pushing you onto the breadline and you can also benefit from this.

We’re not all struggling. I could afford to go to the zoo but I choose not to as there are other things I would prefer to spend my hard-earned cash on.

You can't see how monstrously unjust and demotivating this is? Really?

To be it seems incredibly obvious why we have a productivity crisis at the moment.

Well I do, but term time only.

I've shared my tickets with friends many times, but I'm not friends with people with bitter "punch down" attitudes like the OP.

Most of my friends and acquaintances are on benefits. Most are single people living alone and we are all struggling. None of us is going to the theatre or regular day trips etc.

Tell me more about the billionaires in their room. Sounds intriguing 🤔

Once again demonising poor families. As with all things in life, there are people who will play the system and be greedy / get things they’re not entitled to. But for most people, it is because they are struggling and need the benefits to live, pay rent, buy food. What a shame that you begrudge the children of those families the chance to go to the zoo.

Yes life is expensive, yes working parents do struggle, yes life isn’t fair sometimes, but I will always try to look kindly on those who have less than me. Especially children.

I am not quibbling their claim I am saying they earn £700 more a month from UC than my wage. They also earn a wage. So they are approximately £2000 better off than me a month.
I am unsure about your organisation but we have many different pay bands for different roles and mine is higher due to that. However I still see others as my colleague, as I believed in treating others with respect

for vast majority it’s a lifestyle choice.
If you actually believe this twaddle then why don't you, the OP and all the others moaning on this thread choose this lifestyle?

I really cant.

Why are you pissed at them?

Why aren't you pissed at the system? The government? The ones who dont pay taxes?

You know nothing of your colleagues life, income or household needs. And you know you dont. So why begrudge a visit to zoo in the depths of winter?

I can't work but my husband works full time.