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Original poster

Yes it's the DM, yes it's about a large family on benefits, but surely even if only half of it is true it's shocking!

306 replies

StrawberriesAndCherries · 13/04/2010 18:43

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1265508/Peter-Davey-gets-42-000-benefits-year-drives-Mercedes.html

Are they wrong to get what they are entitled to?

42K a year though - I must be going wrong somewhere!!!

OP posts:
SleepingLion · 13/04/2010 19:58

Laurie, I think cancelling the £50 a month Sky package might go some way towards being able to feed the children.

I really do think the benefits system needs a massive overhaul.

Original poster
StrawberriesAndCherries · 13/04/2010 19:59

Well if the money stopped after 3/4 children it would show whether the mother really did want the 14 children she says she does, and was prepared to budget for them all or even more of a shocking thought - her or her dh were prepared to work to provide adequately for them

OP posts:
itsmeitsmeolord · 13/04/2010 20:00

Re the kin condition, can I point out that there are a couple of rare conditions that will render the sufferer to be in constant pain, mobility affected etc.
I think EB ws mentioned earlier.

So, unfair to be taking a pop at the lads disability.
It isn't just a skin condition.

Re everything else though, although they are only getting what they are entitled to I think it is utterly wrong for there to be so little incentive to work and support your own family if you are physically able to do so.

LaurieFairyCake · 13/04/2010 20:01

I really doubt anyone who sells their story to Closer magazine and says such spectacularly stupid things is the brightest full shilling.

And for that they should be pitied not reviled.

mamazon · 13/04/2010 20:06

accidents happen. but if you fall pregnant by genuine accident you make doubly sure that you dont again.

Parents who work and pay tax have to consider the financial implications of having a child. so should everyone.

im sure there are a great number of women that are desperate to have another child but simply cannot afford to. and yet someone who is funded by that woman's earnings is able to have as many children as she likes without financial implication.

BattyKoda · 13/04/2010 20:06

I hope they declare the money they earn from the article...

Original poster
StrawberriesAndCherries · 13/04/2010 20:07

They cant be that thick if they are selling their story to a mag who probably gets them extra for selling it on, have 2 great cars, sky, regular income etc

Some people just play the system and land on their feet all the time

OP posts:
hogshead · 13/04/2010 20:10

the idea of chosing to go into labour 14 times gives me the collywobbles

given the trouble we had chosing a name for one child last time the thought of having to argue over 13 other names is too much to bear

Skimty · 13/04/2010 20:10

I'm just finding it amusing that I live in an area where people are shocked I'm planning to have a third child in a four bedroom house. But where will they all sleep? Can you still have a guest room?

MmeLindt · 13/04/2010 20:22

Nowhere in the article does it mention how old the Mercedes is. Ok, could be a new top of the range but could also be an ancient one. You can pick up an old Merc for about £2000. Still a lot of money, for someone who is not working but a long way from the top of the range new cars.

Yes, they are playing the system but if we stop people like this claiming benefits (and they are the minority, whatever the DM claims) then you also penalise honest people who have been unlucky.

Ponders · 13/04/2010 20:24

'We can't afford holidays and I don't want my kids living on a council estate and struggling like I have.'

Well then stop having more, eh, lady?

(& once they're all old enough, send 'em up chimneys )

Alouiseg · 13/04/2010 20:25

Gawd almighty!

I really want to start but i'm all worn out from the heroin thread!

SueSylvester · 13/04/2010 20:26

They have a minibus as well as a Merc though. And a wii and sky and several ds's and a flatscreen and spend 2k on xmas presents.
They have a lifestyle many of us working schmoes would love.

Ponders · 13/04/2010 20:28

MmeL, I don't think you can pick up an old Merc MPV for £2K - as someone said earlier it'll be a motability vehicle (mind you deposits are £5K plus for those!!!)

BattyKoda · 13/04/2010 20:30

For £50 a month they have the full Sky package - movies, sports, etc. Can't remember who asked.. Riven maybe?

onagar · 13/04/2010 20:30

The ceiling on benefits is very tempting when you read some of these things. Certainly I've met those who will continue having children and take it for granted that the state will pay for them and I'd love to find a solution to that attitude.

There are problems though if we went down that road. Firstly as someone said would we really let a family go short including the kids if they did keep having them?

Secondly it IS possible to be willing to support your family and not able to because of the way the economy is handled.

In effect we'd be telling couples "until there are more jobs available you will not be allowed to have children"

omnishambles · 13/04/2010 20:36

And it would be unworkable on the grounds of religion wouldnt it - ie someone whose religion is against contraception could take the govt to court presumably.

Alouiseg · 13/04/2010 20:39

Well if they can't afford their religion then they shouldn't practice it.

I think a bit of tough shit love is needed.

Alouiseg · 13/04/2010 20:40

In fact they could sue the pope and his wealthy, corrupt, church instead of our beleaguered government.

violethill · 13/04/2010 20:41

Fucking hell. Wasters.

jellybeans · 13/04/2010 20:42

I know a family with 8 kids, 1 with disabilities. Neither work, they have a big house, 2 cars, 2 caravans, holidays abroad etc and alot of people get peeved as they went on to have all the kids while both out of work. Apparantly the job centre said neither of them will ever have to work as if the child with SN needs hospital someone needs to be around for the other ones.

Stories like this don't really bother me as I am happy with my lot in life. I can see it would bother those who want more kids but can't afford it though or want to stay home but can't.

Poohbah · 13/04/2010 20:52

He is a fit healthy man and she is a fit healthy lady. They should be working not scounging. I can't afford sky or Wii or a Mercedes so I don't see why my taxes should pay for theirs. Lazy Bastards!!!!

MmeBlueberry · 13/04/2010 20:56

I have six kids and with each one, we made sure we could afford it before doing the deed. That is the responsible thing to do.

I can't imagine having children that I expected other people to fund. When I had my first few, there was no government help at all, and now we earn too much to qualify for tax credits (because we believe in working as hard as we can).

We are moderately quiverful, but have no problem with contraception. If contraception were not allowed by a religious belief, then the church community should rally round to support their church family.

Alouiseg · 13/04/2010 20:58

What's "quiverful" ??? I've never heard that before.

Ponders · 13/04/2010 21:03

"the job centre said neither of them will ever have to work as if the child with SN needs hospital someone needs to be around for the other ones"

maybe that is the issue here, if the boy has got EB.

Still no reason to go on having more & more children just because you want to though

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