Unfair!!!

[Jesusgirl]

I'm probably a good few months behind but it just dawned on me now that child benefits are going to be stopped in 2 years.

I've saved up my dc's benefits and it is adding up, my plan was to keep saving them till they stop getting them by which time it'll be a lump sum for them to use for something useful.

I'm really gutted as I feel it's unfair. I'm just getting to grips with the fact that childcare vouchers are being significantly reduced, now this.

We earn a decent amount but it's nowhere near allowing us live a life of luxury. We have to cut down on a lot of things and it just seems unfair that even the little breaks we get here and there are being taken away.

It gets frustrating, DH and I work really hard and we have to pay for everything which is fine but it seems we then get 'purnished' for it.

I understand the government has to make cuts and all, but to me, it seems it's almost a disadvantage to work hard.

Sorry for the rant, I'm just a bit annoyed!!!

When CB and CTC have both gone that's £120/month out of my disposable income which is the equivalent (before tax) of me earning another £2400/annum. I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't miss it. I pay a wedge of tax, enjoy all the perks of living in the UK, & accept that I'm probably putting in far more than I'm ever likely to get out. That's what redistribution of wealth means... those that have money pay chip in to help those that don't. And when public money is tight, I'd rather the people who genuinely needed it got as much as possible. That's only right and fair.

BTW.... I'm also saving for DS's future but, like everyone else, he can take up a student loan when the time comes and pay it back.

Can i just clarify, I do not have an issue with all benefits claimants, I only have an issue with those who see them as a long term lifestyle option and do nothing to get themselves into a position where they are not dependant on the state to support them.

I do not see why I should lose the small amount of financial support I get in child benefit, and actually need, while continuing to pay taxes to suport the aforementioned group of people.

Child benefit isn't however a welfare/safety net benefit. It started life as the family allowance - a tax break (from second child onwards). It has transmogrified, being extended as a payment to non-tax payers, then as a payment to all, and fir all children.

Yes OP has tumbled to the effects on her rather late in the day, and as pointed out, the current shape of the cut is unfair as some wealthier families will continue to receive it whist some less well off won't.

I think it is a shame that universality is ending - the very concepts of state involvement (as set out by eg Bevan's view of what truly social housing would mean) are being eroded in ways which produce division not community.

Just one holiday a year?! And at haven?
My goodness how awful for you op

Why is it that single Mum's on benefits never go self catering or even half board? Its always All Inclusive!

I think scarlettsmummy2 that you'll find the welfare reforms being brought in by the coalition will shift the emphasis towards work and self-reliance and further away from the long-term dependency that the current system condemns people to.

Sorry scarlettsmummy2. This here is what you said and what I am responding to:

"don't expect hand outs because you are in a poorly paid job. If you havent got qualifications go and do something about it. Don't expect me to pay for you to stay poorly skilled and therefore poorly paid."

SOMEBODY HAS TO DO THE LOW PAID JOBS.

Why do the people that come and talk shite about state handouts for those on a low wage, and who whine on about how people should get better paid jobs never realise that somebody has to do them?

OP, you do not "need" CB you "want" it is a choice you want to have.

Also those lowly paid workers will be caring for your children in childcare, if they all go and get better jobs what will you do with your children. Someone has to look after them.

It is unfair.People in the middle are being squeezed it has always been thus.
I am in low paid job[min wage] due to being ill I feel lucky as I cannot go back to what I was doing [not yet anyway]
Am fed up with people saying to others to get a grip the people putting these cuts in operation don't give a feck and it won't affect them[yes...that old chestnut]Luckily there are plenty of people on here who are prepared to defend the Gov cuts....Until it really affects you that is.

seb1...someone has to look after them....Um how about a parent? Or they prob can't due to having to work to pay mortgage on shoe box and run 2 cars etc

What Edith said.

Unfair when you can afford to save it and sheesh get told I have sense of entitlement

You want unfair Op .Try being told that your going to be spending 2-3 years living in a hostel with your 4 dc because there's no money left in the pot to adapt a house suitable for wheelchair use so that's 2 rooms and shared lounge/ bathroom / kitchen

Then tell me that you still feel you should be getting something

But HumanCatapult...do you really think you are going to get help because Child Benefit etc cuts will be used to help this sort of situation?...Because it won't be

"don't expect hand outs because you are in a poorly paid job. If you havent got qualifications go and do something about it. Don't expect me to pay for you to stay poorly skilled and therefore poorly paid."

Charming!

Scarlettsmummy2 "My attitude is no-different than my colleagues". Well lets hope Big Dave doesn't cut careers advisors or you'll all get a taste of your own medicine.

careers advisor[snort] Thought they were outlawed years ago!

OP you haven't said whether you or your DH are higher rate tax payers and so will be affected by this.

(DC and I went on a self catering holiday btw. And we do have a Wii but only because we got it through mumsnet in a product test :))

Dooby maybe not me personally but if someone can afford to save it all .you really need to be asking do they need it

Won't that Monet be better used , sure start centres closing down ,respite centres closing schools making cut backs

Lol handouts well sorry I'm in a poorly paid job .Would youths as career advisor informing the Govermrnt that carers would like a Payrise

If anyone's got a Monet and istill hard up, they can always sell it ....

YABVVVVU. We are going to lose our child benefit too and will miss it, but unlike you I'm not selfish and realise that the money should go to people who need it and higher rate taxpayers definitely do not.

I wish they were applying it more fairly though and basing it on household income rather than the ridiculous way they are doing it.

Child benefit was originally brought in to help reduce child poverty. So if you are a higher rate tax payer, your child isn't living in poverty. Unless you are a drug addict or alcoholic or gambler or otherwise spend your money completely irresponsibly.

If we accept that many people would not actually be plunged into poverty by not having child benefit, it then becomes about life choices. You choose to have a big mortgage or take a holiday or buy a new car. You don't need it. You shouldn't expect tax payers to subsidise it.

It is unfair how it is being taken away - but as I understand it this is the only way to do it under the current tax system - if they had to change the whole tax system then it wouldn't save the govt money anyway.

Incidentally - don't worry about student loans. They don't count for anything. Especially if you have girls. They are unlikely to ever pay them back.