To wonder why child benefit doesn't get the same "triple lock" (or even double lock) protection that Pensions get?

[escapegoats]

I just asked AI to calculate how much child benefit we would get if it had also had the protection of a triple lock and it would be around £230 every 4 weeks for 2 children . Currently I get £179

Surely instead of all the tinkering type policies Labour could come up with some initiatives like this?

You’re not comparing like for like.

Day rate = contracting isn’t comparable to salaried positions (IR35 will be sure to ensure that’s the case!)

Put your cap back on.

I should also have added: contracting to back into public sector doesn’t make it the private sector!

Having children is a choice; ageing isn't.

There should be no triple locks for anything. They are stupid increasing benefits and a hostage to fortune.

We should either tie everything to CPI inflation or average wage increases (the latter being more generous long term).

I may well have to. But I know that I make a genuine difference doing what I do now.

Because pensioners have contributed to their pensions? Most people with children haven't yet?

I'm fine with revisiting the triple lock for pensions, I think it's fair, but gosh, what is it with the youngest generation having such a chip on their shoulder aboit contributing towards the previous generation pensions. That's what it's always been.

Yes it's gone up, yes there is a threat that by the time they get there, they won't be entitled to a pension themselves, but the reality remains the same, they will be reliant on the next generation to support them one way or the other if they can't do it themselves.

If your income was that low you'd also get universal credit with the child element

But presumably it was your choice to have children. People don't really have a choice about getting old.

This. Also, people don’t choose to get old. But couples can choose how many children they have

Because pensioners are a huge part of the population and tend to actually cast their vote.

A scarily high percentage of young people don't vote so less election bribes are given to them.

Also, child benefit is to help feed and cloth children whereas State Pension is to cover all household bills and for most pensioners, if that is your only income, there isn't much scope to increase it especially once you reach 70+ and no one would employ you.

Personally though, I would scrap it as the very poor war widow type pensioner isn't a thing now, all current pensioners had ample opportunity to save and pay into a private pension during their working life. I would increase tax allowance which would help everyone.

DC are optional. Getting old is not. Pensioners vote in much larger numbers.

It's the same in other public sectors, I work in criminal justice and in the last month we've lost 3 frontline practitioners who do jobs that save lives and protect the public because they can earn more driving a van, being a security guard in a shopping centre and working at Aldi. Now these are all fine jobs and I'm sure not without challenges but it's ridiculous that the people who need significant qualifications and do jobs without which people would die or come to serious harm, get paid less, it's barely above minimum wage. Then the government wonders why our ministry has a huge recruitment problem and is massively under resourced

Yes

@MeowDoku@CherryStripe you referenced “public sector” not specific sub sections of it.

The facts are that public sector pay is increasing faster than inflation.

Re. Councils, honestly, however much they’re paid it’s too much. The level of service and competence from my local council is shockingly bad.

Don’t we all…?

I also don’t see how you can be working 3 jobs. It’s difficult enough to do 1 meaningful job never mind 3.

There’s either some artistic licence being applied or you’re doing handle turning jobs and would be better off applying yourself wholly to one meaningful job if your objective is to improve your financial position.

@escapegoatsjust following up on this one re. spine points and facts suggesting public sector pay outstripping inflation.

We're clearly both talking about frontline blue light workers. Your also missing that for many sectors it's been way below inflation for 10-15 years

So you’re clearly talking about frontline blue light workers… so presumably “the doctors had a massive deal” (your words) fit within that definition?

apologies but either your confused or…. ?

because children (or even their parents) aren’t the top voting demographic

Fucking hell, you are being so VVVVV unreasonable. Don't have kids you can't afford! Having kids is a choice, growing old isn't. I've been working now for 40 years and by the time I get my pension, it'll be 51 years. All for the paltry sum of £6 an hour equivalent (if working). How much do you want pensioners to live on? I own my own home, but there are loads of pensioners who don't. After rent they have ZERO pence left to eat. FUCK ME.

This. I never understand people who bring kids into the world they can’t afford.

But you choose to be a parent

that’s your choice. -no one else’s

What about the 1.1 million NEETS?

I know my step sons just had his second kid with his partner and they are moaning about money cost of child care

having to work part time

it’s like don’t have kids if you can’t afford them