To think Labour is not the party of the working people.

[pinkpalmleaves]

I voted for Labour as I believed their election pledge of being a party for the working people but genuinely I can’t think of one thing, since they’ve been in power, that they’ve done to help me (a single working mother on around £42k a year)! I get zero help from UC, these mystical breakfast clubs don’t exist, people aren’t employing people due to their ridiculous NI implications, they aren’t building affordable housing, energy prices are insanely high and all they talk about is grants (which won’t affect me as I live in a flat)! Genuinely I can’t think of one thing that they’ve done to help working people in the middle. Why are Labour sticking their heads in the sand? Why do they refuse to help the squeezed working class? They are stopping this economy from thriving - as
nobody can afford to spend anything extra (treats, holidays, meals out etc etc)!

Pretty much done. We did use the cereba guide to help. Fingers crossed!

There was a poster a few months back that really irked me. She's 28 and can't work because "every job she's had makes her ill". So she expects benefits to pay for her and her son. She doesn't expect him to work as well if he "can't" and even though he's in year 3 she can't help him with his homework because it's too difficult.

Yet she can waste hours on the switch, watching netflix and doom scrolling on her phone

Good luck! How long is the wait now? It was bad enough with my son a few years ago but I think it's even worse now.

I am not sure. I think eight weeks?

@Coffeeandbooks88no I don’t have a partner!!! I have one wage - all me! 😂😂😂 I work a full time job and then freelance in the evenings! Am I jealous - too right that a single mother I know is completely playing the system and going out for lunch at Harrods, taking cash in hand to work in her family shop and has savings in her bank account in another country - which she proudly told me! But hey, I love paying for her lifestyle! 😂😂😂 and it is people like you that will get Reform into power!

At least 7 hours a day 5 days a week, or 3 12 hour shifts for jobs like nursing. Self employed usually work much longer hours.

Why, what do you class as working?

I worked 14 hours after dc, then 21 & now do 25. Dc are in school.

I think I definitely work….

Are you receiving benefits though? If you’re supporting yourself you can do what you like!

I’d class anything that demands my time and gives me money in exchange as working.

That's an improvement! Don't worry if it's longer than that though, very normal.

@BlackRowankissing your feet that you’re a high earner and not complaining! #thestruggleisreal

@Bist nope, think I did get some child benefit at one stage but had to pay most of it back. It is tough though as initially it cost me to work (retrained) but I wanted to. Childcare was so expensive. I couldn’t have done it without a supportive DH.

I actually think child benefit should be universal and so should the “free hours”.

Report her then? 🤷

Does she get maintenance from her kids’ father? Because that’s disregarded in benefits claims. That actually brings out the tiny fragment of me that’s right wing because I really don’t think it should be.

They’re really not, not with those extra taxes on SMEs, zero growth and higher unemployment.

I agree. These policies ultimately reduce the tax take by more than they save, but try explaining that to your average mumsnetter who thinks you ‘have to draw the line somewhere’. You don’t. And doing so discourages people from maximising their income and therefore discourages people from maximising the tax they pay. It’s so self defeating.

I understand why it isn't considering how inconsistent child maintenance can be which is the reason why it was changed as it did used to count years ago.

@Coffeeandbooks88genuine question, as you’re in receipt of benefits. Do you ever empathise with anyone who is seriously struggling, without benefits? I see it time and time on these threads where people who are on benefits come on and bemoan anyone who dares to point out unfair systems. Whilst there are many genuine cases for benefit recipients, there are many that take advantage. I need help with energy bills, I have so little at the end of each month but will expected to pay. Yet those on UC will get help? Do you think that’s fair?

i don’t know. I stopped talking to her when she called me up in a panic saying her ex was going to report her for benefit fraud as she’s been claiming whilst they were still together!

I think expecting life to be fair is a mug’s game. It isn’t and never will be. During all the years I was a higher tax payer the only thing I looked at on my payslip was the bottom line and I told myself my tax was going only on the things I approved of. I still do that and it makes for far greater peace of mind.

Yes of course I do. Although I should point out we are struggling too on UC and wages. The only thing that really gets on my nerves is inevitably we get to disability benefits and clamouring to cut that down.

@Coffeeandbooks88i am genuinely really sorry to hear that. In all honesty this is why I get so frustrated with the chancers, as people like she who shall not be named, is taking money from those who genuinely deserve it! Morally I don’t know how she lives with herself! I hope you manage to get the support you need - you sound a great mum and sorry for getting snappy! Just get so frustrated! Think we all are 💕

The thing is, pinkpalmleaves, even if the government didn't help those on UC, you would still struggle.

The fact is that all our utilities, housing costs etc. are so high now that people who were once doing OK are now not. That is not the fault of benefit claimants. Not many are living in the lap of luxury despite what gets written and said about them. Yes some people play the system. But that is not the fault of the rest.

Eta:I am sorry you are struggling, btw. I know what it's like 💐

Yep.

Those who aren't struggling are usually committing benefit fraud like the person OP knows.

If I hear Starmer say breakfast clubs in another speech or during PM questions I won’t be held responsible. It’s all he bloody says.