Scrapping £20 benefit could see Tories called 'nasty party' - Casey
20/01/2021
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The ex-government adviser said the Tories would be seen as the "nasty party" by ending the top-up.
The thing is, once you give people a benefit such as this, it can never be taken away (for political reasons).
It's the same as feeding children and saying it's only because of CV19.
Both of these things will be permanent, we all know they well, so HMG might as well just make it so because they know full well that's what will happen anyway.
It's the same as feeding children and saying it's only because of CV19.
Both of these things will be permanent, we all know they well, so HMG might as well just make it so because they know full well that's what will happen anyway.
Precisely why politicians ought to think more long-term and not just go for the quick headline. I suspect the Cummings effect has destroyed the relationship with senior civil servants who can stand back and offer analysis of the options. BJ’s ‘following’, when he should be looking at quality advice and taking a considered political view.
The benefit top-up should be ended at the appropriate time when we get out of this malaise. However, there’s no magic money tree, the conservative government was voted in with an overwhelming majority for a reason and it’s the workers that will ultimately pay for all this.
Why are taxpayers subsidising low paid worker? Isnt it time that the min wage was of a satisfactory level? It seems all the taxpayer is doing is helping corporations increase there profit margins cos they too mean to properly pay staff.
Corporate subsidies are OK, according to Tories.
Helping taxpayers is not allowed, apparently.
Helping taxpayers is not allowed, apparently.
Problem is people having babies as consumer objects, with the idea that the state will keep them through augmented benefits.
Why are taxpayers subsidising low paid worker?
Because it is the only tool in HMG's box that enables it to reduce the risk of higher prices filtering down to consumers. If people don't spend, even on foreign junk, the Treasury doesn't get its +20%.
However, with the introduction of trade tariffs it should be possible to influence markets so that UK produce is cheaper than non-essential imports.
Because it is the only tool in HMG's box that enables it to reduce the risk of higher prices filtering down to consumers. If people don't spend, even on foreign junk, the Treasury doesn't get its +20%.
However, with the introduction of trade tariffs it should be possible to influence markets so that UK produce is cheaper than non-essential imports.
A cynical person may state that if we keep the poor, poor, then they can be used by corporations as a low cost resource utilising zero hours contracts. Then a few Tory party donations keeps the system in place.
The poor have been turned into a commodity, to be discarded as seen fit by whichever employer, through zero hours contracts.
Despite the fact that the poor are critical to the UK.
The poor have been turned into a commodity, to be discarded as seen fit by whichever employer, through zero hours contracts.
Despite the fact that the poor are critical to the UK.
A full time worker on the minimum wage isn't entitled to claim universal credit so raising the minimum wage won't remove the masses from universal credit.
Secure jobs with a decent number of regular guaranteed work hours would make a bigger and more lasting impact.
Secure jobs with a decent number of regular guaranteed work hours would make a bigger and more lasting impact.
The Cheapest commodity for corporations is human flesh & as automation really gets going that resource will become cheaper unless we do something about it!
It's to ensure employment is higher than it otherwise would be; paying an actual living wage would mean large numbers of jobs are removed via automation/software/self-service.
What happens if the employer of these minimum waged people does the sums and works out that they won't make any money unless they reduce the number they employ or shuts down and sells off whatever is left?
Having low paid workers keeps the prices down for you
Think of it that way
Sort of trickle-up-the-ages.....
Think of it that way
Sort of trickle-up-the-ages.....
Personally I think the solution is to scrap all in work benefits & instead increase personal allowance to equivalent of min wage on avg hrs (=approx £17k pa). Let people keep more of what they earn rather than paying tax only for Gov to hand it back as benefits
Increase in personal allowance could be paid for by scrapping all other tax free personal allowances - Cap gains, Dividends, IHT etc.
Increase in personal allowance could be paid for by scrapping all other tax free personal allowances - Cap gains, Dividends, IHT etc.
The difference between managers pay and the workforce is by and large obscene. Some of the overpaid people are incompetents.
well if the min wage was increased to a satisfactory level those employers and corporations would just move there operations out of the UK to somewhere they can employ people for peanuts.
Define satisfactory level. You really are clueless arent you. Wages are & always should be a function of supply & demand, otherwise you cannot compete in a world economy. Pay the most basic of jobs at £13/hr & the ones on that want £16 etc. Everything goes up or just everything becomes a min wage job and concertinas at the bottom (like it has been since it was introduced). Scrap min wage more like
Standard Neoliberal approach. Welfare for people is bad but welfare for big business is OK.
Embittered, probably sacked, EX adviser seeking revenge.
The Nasty Party that has spent over £80m on schemes to try to save as many jobs as possible.
Oh and what part of temporary are some people having difficulty understanding???
The Nasty Party that has spent over £80m on schemes to try to save as many jobs as possible.
Oh and what part of temporary are some people having difficulty understanding???
They were protecting their own pockets and those of the cronies by not allowing the entire economy to collapse. Let's not pretend they did that out of the goodness of their hearts.
Save jobs? In the 'service industry.'
We have known for decades that 'service' is not a real industry and it was only supposed to be a stop-gap until UK emerged from its post-heavy industry malaise. Trouble is, too many people now think it is a way of life. Get real.
We have known for decades that 'service' is not a real industry and it was only supposed to be a stop-gap until UK emerged from its post-heavy industry malaise. Trouble is, too many people now think it is a way of life. Get real.
Yes, the nasty pampered Eton brigade that, as soon as they got elected tried to abolish tax credits for low paid workers - that fought against the a NMW - and punched the air as they denied nurses a payrise (whose pay has reduced drastically in real terms) as they grabbed a 7.5k payrise for themselves?
Immoral, self-serving, arrogant pampered hypocrites, every last one of them.
Immoral, self-serving, arrogant pampered hypocrites, every last one of them.
Fair enough if the £20 will be spent on food.
But how many already get enough monies from the government but blow it on
unnecessary spending.
The UK has no idea of poverty, see Africa etc if you want to see real poverty.
The only ones who'd see Tories as the 'nasty party' are agenda driven
But how many already get enough monies from the government but blow it on
unnecessary spending.
The UK has no idea of poverty, see Africa etc if you want to see real poverty.
The only ones who'd see Tories as the 'nasty party' are agenda driven
Blah blah blah. Anyone gonna mention "plasma screens" ? Yawn.
Found the bigot.
Think another tory voter,it's a pity they don't get involved and see the real picture instead of reading their gutter press
Put the Daily Mail down and get out in the real world
did you seriously make that comment?
my extra £20 does go on food, less the £5 a week I have to spend out of it to pay my bills. Could you pay your mortgage and all your bills on £316.76 a MONTH? that is all you get on UC without the extra.
Back to Victorian values again, talking about the deserving poor. Why are people so judgemental
Well if you aspire to African levels of poverty try them some time.
Preferably over there!
Preferably over there!
Vallance agrees with Starmer, and indeed most of us. Johnson has been too indecisive with the covid pandemic. Too little done and too late.
Holidays are banned, shops/restaurants/pubs are shut. Everyone is supposed to be staying indoors as much as possible. So at a time with this unprecedented fall in the spending that families are making (I've saved so much since last March), is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
Yes, I am sure there is a crony somewhere to come up with a scheme that would rake in an 85% net profit margin to line their own pockets, while only15% gets to where it's actually needed.
Of course we can pay these people who need it.remember the 350 million a week we dont have to pay the Eu.oh wait ,was that not true then?what a shocker that would be.any party with Preti Patel deserves to be called nasty.
'..is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?'
Considering UK benefit rates are one of the lowest in w. Europe (as is the retirement pension - joys of being the 5th richest economy?), and bearing in mind the shameful UN report, i'd say that's a 'yes'?
Considering this lot cheered nurses not getting payrises as they grabbed a 7.5k rise themselves, i'd say not likely.
Considering UK benefit rates are one of the lowest in w. Europe (as is the retirement pension - joys of being the 5th richest economy?), and bearing in mind the shameful UN report, i'd say that's a 'yes'?
Considering this lot cheered nurses not getting payrises as they grabbed a 7.5k rise themselves, i'd say not likely.
Try ‘saving’ on UC. You won’t. Spending will not have dropped for folk on UC. They are still trying to pay rent, bills and feed their kids on a paltry sum. You, and me, are in a different league.
Low paid workers being topped up with UC weren't going on holiday and eating out etc. Many will now though be worse off due to reduced employment opportunities and higher heating and food bill's whilst their children are not at school.
Scrapping £20 benefit could see Tories called 'nasty party' - I don't think Labour will relinquish that well earned title in a hurry.
Labour introduced tax credits for the low paid, and pension credit to top up one of the lowest retirement pensions in w. Europe. They also introduced the NMW.
As soon as this shower of pampered spivs got elected they tried to abolish tax credits. One of them even suggested cutting the nmw by £1 ph to help pay for bankers pensions.
The UN report?
Get a grip of yourself.
As soon as this shower of pampered spivs got elected they tried to abolish tax credits. One of them even suggested cutting the nmw by £1 ph to help pay for bankers pensions.
The UN report?
Get a grip of yourself.
'former homelessness adviser'
'former' for a reason.
Poverty or wreck less spending by bad parents?
'former' for a reason.
Poverty or wreck less spending by bad parents?
I think you mean Reckless. Although bad parents do wreck lives.
She has achieved more with her life than you will ever do, grandad.
Illiterate and judgemental without considering any facts. Sounds like a nasty tory.
Scrapping money to help the poorest, ‘considering’ scrapping European labour laws, spending £1million a day on the failed tracing system, throwing huge sums at crony companies. The magic money tree only thrives in well-manures soil.
On newsnight last night, it was stated that the UK has the lowest benefits compared to other European countries. So, how do they do it, if the UK cannot ?.
It seems to be the Tory way, neglect the poor, yet they still need them to do the jobs no other person wants to do.
It seems to be the Tory way, neglect the poor, yet they still need them to do the jobs no other person wants to do.
Why do Labour always call the Tories "The Nasty Party" ?
Do Tory supporters hound those that disagree with them ? Are they completely intolerant of any of views but their own ? Did they have a leader such as Corbyn (and we all know what views on certain sections of society he holds) ?
It' Labour who are the "Nasty Party".
Do Tory supporters hound those that disagree with them ? Are they completely intolerant of any of views but their own ? Did they have a leader such as Corbyn (and we all know what views on certain sections of society he holds) ?
It' Labour who are the "Nasty Party".
Fair enough if the £20 will be spent on food.
But how many already get enough monies from the government but blow it on
unnecessary spending.
The UK has no idea of poverty, see Africa etc if you want to see real poverty.
The only ones who'd see Tories as the 'nasty party' are agenda driven
But how many already get enough monies from the government but blow it on
unnecessary spending.
The UK has no idea of poverty, see Africa etc if you want to see real poverty.
The only ones who'd see Tories as the 'nasty party' are agenda driven
So right
Rubbish!
The Tories being called 'The Nasty Party'?
So we have all forgotten about the Labour Party being found guilty of antisemitism by the E&HRC?
And didn't Dame Louise Casey herself investigate the Rotherham abuses which were ignored by the local Labour party for decades? Removed
So we have all forgotten about the Labour Party being found guilty of antisemitism by the E&HRC?
And didn't Dame Louise Casey herself investigate the Rotherham abuses which were ignored by the local Labour party for decades? Removed
how about extending it to those on jsa, income support, and carer's allowance? £45pwk for 24hr care is a bargain, but its not healthy for the carers
When you check, you'll see JSA and IS are now called "universal credit". The clue is in the name.
People will always exploit situations for their benefit but Covid has allowed the Government to oversee the highest level of corruption imaginable. Historically the UK has looked down their nose at 'Third World Corruption' but we are now head and shoulders above any other country.
And your evidence is?????????
Please keep your flatulence to your self.
“ 'I am going to step into the shoes of a Beveridge moment'.”
The Tories never stopped being the nasty party, as the comments from their supporters show.
*yawn* another HYS, another "I hate the Tories" post from Strawcat
You're like a stuck record
You're like a stuck record
Seems to be an endless supply of money for lining the pockets of the cronies with obscene amounts, but nothing for ordinary people struck by hard times. Seems like the payback for the 'borrowed red wall' has dried up already.
Unite in 4 years time to turf out the rotten Tories.
Unite in 4 years time to turf out the rotten Tories.
The thing is, once you give people a benefit such as this, it can never be taken away (for political reasons).
It's the same as feeding children and saying it's only because of CV19.
Both of these things will be permanent, we all know they well, so HMG might as well just make it so because they know full well that's what will happen anyway.
It's the same as feeding children and saying it's only because of CV19.
Both of these things will be permanent, we all know they well, so HMG might as well just make it so because they know full well that's what will happen anyway.
Precisely why politicians ought to think more long-term and not just go for the quick headline. I suspect the Cummings effect has destroyed the relationship with senior civil servants who can stand back and offer analysis of the options. BJ’s ‘following’, when he should be looking at quality advice and taking a considered political view.
Is this £6bn better spent on increasing taxpayer payments to families already on Universal Credit, OR would it be better spent improving the NHS, or given to scientific research, or something else? We need to be creating new jobs, not subsidising those not in work.
why are people so ignorant the majority of universal credit recipiants are low paid WORKERS
Removed
Perhaps split it 50:50 or 20 miles of HS2
Keep the benefits uplift and pay for it with increased fuel duty. It's the responsible thing to do, and would restore Johnson's green credentials following the Cumbria coalmine disgrace.
Which would in turn increase the price of food and goods and so reduce the benefit of the £20. Probably would need to increase it to £30.
If people are struggling then fair enough. But as a tax payer I don't want to see this as a permanent measure which I fear it may become.
You'd rather see your taxes spent on what exactly? Handouts for the Tory donors?
Holidays are banned, shops/restaurants/pubs are shut. Everyone is supposed to be staying indoors as much as possible. So at a time with this unprecedented fall in the spending that families are making (I've saved so much since last March), is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
As usual those who are just about surviving by juggling their income are forgotten.
We don't have a laptop for our daughter even though we both work but do we complain.
We don't have a laptop for our daughter even though we both work but do we complain.
You're complaining now! Try Get Online At Home for low cost laptops https://www.getonlineathome.org/
Yes, the reward for trying is less than the reward for not trying at all.
Why can't she use the one you are now using, might be a better use.
He/she moaned.
What about extending it to those in receipt of 'legacy' benefits (who have not yet moved to UC) - including disabled (esa), carers ,jsa and income support? As a disabled person I have seen my expenses rocket, yet no help from the Govt - although in the same situation, and in some circumstances the same benefit as others
It’s clear from the cases that regularly get to Supreme Court, the government doesn’t want anything other than to save money where ever possible even if it clearly shows discrimination or harm.
Of course we couldn't possibly look to the wealthy to contribute a little more in times of crisis.
Do you not think a 40% or 45% over £150,00 tax rate is high enough? I personally think giving 40% of the money I've earned is plenty.
If you've created a business from scratch that employs hundreds of people in the UK & abroad, paying proper rates of business & personal income tax and become wealthy as a result, I'd argue you've already done a lot.
If, however, you inherited your wealth, dodge taxes and sell govt contracts while pocketing a bit for yourself, then yes, pay more.
If, however, you inherited your wealth, dodge taxes and sell govt contracts while pocketing a bit for yourself, then yes, pay more.
Some people are unfortunate, some need to proritise, and plenty are greedy and wasteful.
Something like 30% of all income tax is paid by 1% of the richest taxpayers.
Going to be difficult to word this in a way that isn't deemed derisory but the majority of those trotted out on TV or who you see out and about who need consider £20 a lifeline all lack something in common. Drive and ambition.
I get that the sofa can be cosy, but no use moaning about high-fliers needing to pay more than 40/45% tax when you are sat idle. How about you join them? Learn a trade.
I get that the sofa can be cosy, but no use moaning about high-fliers needing to pay more than 40/45% tax when you are sat idle. How about you join them? Learn a trade.
I agree to a point with your comment. But it is the multi-millionaires that need to pay more tax and also large corporate companies that go through tax havens. World governments should put an end to tax havens for the rich.
30% of tax is already paid by just 1% of the people. Think you'll find they're doing their bit and some. But if envy makes you feel better...
The "wealthy", senior Nurses, teachers, train drivers, small shop owners, plumbers are paying most of the countries bills, the majority pay little or nothing. Labour always put unemployment up in office and the reason, they tax those with disposable income. No disposable income no new windows, new drives, new extensions etc. The government has no money, it's all other people's wages.
With a third of the population on benefits, and only about three percent 'wealthy', I'm not sure that would work (and it has previously been shown that punitive taxes on the rich actually reduce tax revenue).
just heard that Price George is worth £2b........ what does a 7 year old need £2b for - come on wee man - give a billion to the starving!
We could have a referendum of all taxpayers & see if they're willing to contribute the extra tax to make it possible.
Then again, if your friends & family are the ones struggling, why wouldn't you bypass the red tape & give them the extra £20 yourself. Perhaps more to the point, were you already helping them?
We have a minimum wage, it should be set high enough that none need benefits.
Then again, if your friends & family are the ones struggling, why wouldn't you bypass the red tape & give them the extra £20 yourself. Perhaps more to the point, were you already helping them?
We have a minimum wage, it should be set high enough that none need benefits.
Typical left wing tripe. Look at how much someone earning £100-150k a year pays in tax and compare that to someone earning £30k. Then (with a straight face) tell me the person on £150k isnt paying their fair share! The problem is we have the low paid contributing very little AND taking handouts. The moderately rich aint the problem!
How about only giving the £20 universal benefit top-up to families where neither of the parents smoke or drink alcohol?
Or perhaps the Comrades don't want people to suffer 'fag & booze poverty'? Removed
Or perhaps the Comrades don't want people to suffer 'fag & booze poverty'? Removed
Does anyone tell you what to spend your money on? No. Why should people receiving benefits be told what to spend the money on?
typical race to bottom argument perhaps if the rich stopped avoiding tax we could easily afford to allow people to eat
How about giving pensioners in the UK a massive rise, considering their retirement pension is one of the lowest in w.europe - the joys of being the '5th richest' economy?
What is it they say about judging a country on how they look after the elderly?
UN report?
What is it they say about judging a country on how they look after the elderly?
UN report?
Seems to be an endless supply of money for lining the pockets of the cronies with obscene amounts, but nothing for ordinary people struck by hard times. Seems like the payback for the 'borrowed red wall' has dried up already.
Unite in 4 years time to turf out the rotten Tories.
Unite in 4 years time to turf out the rotten Tories.
Holidays are banned, shops/restaurants/pubs are shut. Everyone is supposed to be staying indoors as much as possible. So at a time with this unprecedented fall in the spending that families are making (I've saved so much since last March), is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
It is only a 5% increase
£20 a week would be a 50% increase for most carers
Why do Labour always call the Tories "The Nasty Party" ?
Do Tory supporters hound those that disagree with them ? Are they completely intolerant of any of views but their own ? Did they have a leader such as Corbyn (and we all know what views on certain sections of society he holds) ?
It' Labour who are the "Nasty Party".
Do Tory supporters hound those that disagree with them ? Are they completely intolerant of any of views but their own ? Did they have a leader such as Corbyn (and we all know what views on certain sections of society he holds) ?
It' Labour who are the "Nasty Party".
nasty party? or nasty lazy parents who spend monies on mobile phones, nail bars
, cigs etc.
They have no idea of real poverty.
, cigs etc.
They have no idea of real poverty.
So impressed that you know the details of every individual family's financial and domestic circumstances. (Or perhaps you don't really and are blowing a right wing dog whistle)
The UN certainly had when they slated the UK on poverty?
The 5th richest economy on earth(?) being revealed, for all the world to see, as a country that doesn't care a damn about poverty & division.
The 5th richest economy on earth(?) being revealed, for all the world to see, as a country that doesn't care a damn about poverty & division.
Propaganda.
YAWN.... Maybe have a word with the Benefits office and Government that have a system where you need a mobile phone to apply for universal credit and do job search... Comments like yours show you are either retired or just so out of touch with modern reality and the workforce and are more at risk of been slung into unemployment in the coming times ahead than you may think...
Nasty people support the Nasty Party
Holidays are banned, shops/restaurants/pubs are shut. Everyone is supposed to be staying indoors as much as possible. So at a time with this unprecedented fall in the spending that families are making (I've saved so much since last March), is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
'..is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?'
Considering UK benefit rates are one of the lowest in w. Europe (as is the retirement pension - joys of being the 5th richest economy?), and bearing in mind the shameful UN report, i'd say that's a 'yes'?
Considering this lot cheered nurses not getting payrises as they grabbed a 7.5k rise themselves, i'd say not likely.
Considering UK benefit rates are one of the lowest in w. Europe (as is the retirement pension - joys of being the 5th richest economy?), and bearing in mind the shameful UN report, i'd say that's a 'yes'?
Considering this lot cheered nurses not getting payrises as they grabbed a 7.5k rise themselves, i'd say not likely.
Holidays are banned, shops/restaurants/pubs are shut. Everyone is supposed to be staying indoors as much as possible. So at a time with this unprecedented fall in the spending that families are making (I've saved so much since last March), is it really right that those on Universal Credit get £6bn extra a year?
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
That £6bn could be spent elsewhere; NHS, schools, scientists, infrastructure, etc
It is only a 5% increase
I totally agree with the last comment
How about only giving the £20 universal benefit top-up to families where neither of the parents smoke or drink alcohol?
Or perhaps the Comrades don't want people to suffer 'fag & booze poverty'? Removed
Or perhaps the Comrades don't want people to suffer 'fag & booze poverty'? Removed
Because it's our tax money they are being given, perhaps, and supporting people who have a larger pro-rata income than I do seems to be punishing me for having a job.
Because it is taxpayers money! Unbelievable question.
How strange the BBC opens up an HYS on this ?
Raise the upper rate of income tax by 2p and you cover this and have change. The better off can easily afford that. The only problem is a lack of will on the government benches.
Good of you to decide what everybody else can or cant afford
Lots of left wing commentators want other people to pay more tax.
what's wrong with you improving your situation rather than sniping jealous comments
Its scary the amount of people who don't understand government. Thus isn't their money to give away! Every additional £20 is taken from the rest of the people paying taxes who are themselves struggling to keep their heads above water. There isn't a magical money tree, if you give more to some, you have to take it away from someone else.
We can add you to that list of not understanding. Even falling for the 'magic money tree' analogy. The amount of money being request is absolute peanuts. You should be more concerned about the big slice of cake the rich receive, not the crumbs that the most vulnerable need.
£5 from £2000 -0.25% per month to add £20 to £360 +5%
Except they do. They pay what the tax system obliges them to pay.
Any headline calling for the government to spend money on this that and the other should be banned It should read hard working taxpayers money The government doesn't have any money
What makes you think taxpayers are hard working? The Government would disagree with you.
The government borrows money.
What about extending it to those in receipt of 'legacy' benefits (who have not yet moved to UC) - including disabled (esa), carers ,jsa and income support? As a disabled person I have seen my expenses rocket, yet no help from the Govt - although in the same situation, and in some circumstances the same benefit as others
Utter rubbish and an immature comment from somebody who knows nothing of real life challenges parents and families are going through. Give your head a shake and join the real world, not your sanctimonious world that’s clouding your thinking.
Many people receiving UC are childless workers.
The argument that the welfare state somehow causes childbirth simply does not stand up to any scrutiny, despite being a popular prejudice, oft repeated by the alt-right
Ethiopians facing starvation have babies. People have babies regardless of the economics or and state support. People had babies before the welfare state existed.
The argument that the welfare state somehow causes childbirth simply does not stand up to any scrutiny, despite being a popular prejudice, oft repeated by the alt-right
Ethiopians facing starvation have babies. People have babies regardless of the economics or and state support. People had babies before the welfare state existed.
How strange the BBC opens up an HYS on this ?
If there was democracy on the BBC, all the articles would be open for comment. right?
An extra £20 a week for those on Universal Credit is absolute peanuts in the grand scheme of things. The vast, vast majority of the 5.6m families on some sort of UC are working people. I don't understand the resentment and total lack of empathy people on here show those who are worse off them. You don't seem to mind the government handing out far more of your taxes to their cronies.
37% of UC claimants are in work (ONS), although mostly very low paid. I don't mind giving some sort of extra to those who work, I don't want to give extra to those who don't and get full benefits. We should be asking "why should a working person on furlough get 20% less than their wage" - let's be honest, you budget for what you get paid then have to lose 20% - seems very unfair to me.
Sadly it isn’t peanuts. Supporting the lowest paid is fine, but what about all the people on UC who receive more than the national average wage. A bit of perspective needed, not the usual ‘it doesnot cost much’ mantra
The welfare system costs over £100 billion a year. This is not peanuts.
There are plenty of left-leaning people in the public sector who earn big salaries. I bet they wouldn't have got those jobs if their faces did not fit. There are plenty of leftie cronies.
There are plenty of left-leaning people in the public sector who earn big salaries. I bet they wouldn't have got those jobs if their faces did not fit. There are plenty of leftie cronies.
As for 'far better off than them' I work in a place where I have to evidence the income of UC claimants who don't work - they are better off than me. My pride wouldn't let me go on UC unless desperate. What we give in taxes etc should come back to us in good public services (NHS, facilities etc) not in the pockets of the rich.
They've swallowed the right wing rag line that it's all the fault of those poorer/browner.
The inconvenient facts, like
- pensions cost the by far biggest slice of social spend
- give money to the poorer and they will spend it in the local economy
- we found £500bn to tell the banks they're too big to fail (and I work for a bank)
get sideswiped by Daily Mail whines about it all going on cigs.
The inconvenient facts, like
- pensions cost the by far biggest slice of social spend
- give money to the poorer and they will spend it in the local economy
- we found £500bn to tell the banks they're too big to fail (and I work for a bank)
get sideswiped by Daily Mail whines about it all going on cigs.
Trouble is that people who use and abuse the system have easy life. I know someone who never worked and receives nearly £2,000 a month (tax free) in benefits (UC, Council Tax reducion, PIP, Child Benefit) - which is more that many people I know get for working full time. This is the injustice, which feels like a kick in the teeth for the people who work and contribute to the system.
Hardly "peanuts" at £5,824,000,000 a year.
An extra £20 a week is about an 11.5% increase ofnstate pension, even with triple lock it's a fat chance they'll get that much, this or any other year in the near future. At about £175 a week, a pension is less than an adult on minimum wage of 40 hour week, who gets £348.80, almost twice as much. So it's a big increase to someone on a pension or MW.
An extra £20 a week is about an 11.5% increase ofnstate pension, even with triple lock it's a fat chance they'll get that much, this or any other year in the near future. At about £175 a week, a pension is less than an adult on minimum wage of 40 hour week, who gets £348.80, almost twice as much. So it's a big increase to someone on a pension or MW.
If you really are that strapped that you need the extra £20 then what about increasing the work you do, it equates to an extra 2.5 hours a week. In 2010 my business was struggling and I had to let 2 people go while taking less than £800/month myself so I could pay the others, so I started some internet trading in the evening to earn some extra, that's what you do, not rely on others for handouts.
How strange the BBC opens up an HYS on this ?
All the money the government has spent on this crisis, about £150 billion, will have to be recouped from taxpayers at some point.
Did no one tell you?????
Did no one tell you?????
Why are food parcels full of branded food such as Heinz?
Surely, this is a waste of money.
Any money vouchers should not allow the purchase of branded products. Many people who work cannot afford branded products. Why should people on benefits be given or be able to purchase such over-priced products. If they buy them, it shows they are getting too much.
Surely, this is a waste of money.
Any money vouchers should not allow the purchase of branded products. Many people who work cannot afford branded products. Why should people on benefits be given or be able to purchase such over-priced products. If they buy them, it shows they are getting too much.
The items are donated, if some people donate Heinz beans then some recipients get Heinz beans.
They are gifted
Because "Beanz means Heinz"
It's about Nasty Party cronies making a profit from the poor.
Nothing else.
Nothing else.
Several feeble attempts to deflect attention away from the "Nasty Party" on to the Labour Party that hasn't been in office over the past decade.
All you Tories have to do is trot out the govt policy statement of:-
"We are reviewing the situation" meaning don't bother us with that.
All you Tories have to do is trot out the govt policy statement of:-
"We are reviewing the situation" meaning don't bother us with that.
All you Labour people make lots of complaints, and you want to spend unlimited amounts of money because you do not have to account for it. You only policy is the magic money tree.
There are very good reasons why Labour has been out of power and will remain so
You are welcome. I do know that I can afford to pay a bit more. I'm not wealthy by any means and I'd probably have to cut back on a few luxuries if my net pay dropped by £25 a month or so but so what? This is a crisis, we all have to help.
I pay 45%. Will gladly pay 47, even 50%. More if we had a grown-up, national discussion about it. I've worked to get where I am, but I'm under no illusion that we live in a meritocracy.
I don't want to live in an unequal country, and I'd much rather my tax goes to help those less fortunate, than to Govt spivs or to cover gaps left by tax-dodgers.
I don't want to live in an unequal country, and I'd much rather my tax goes to help those less fortunate, than to Govt spivs or to cover gaps left by tax-dodgers.
Keep the benefits uplift and pay for it with increased fuel duty. It's the responsible thing to do, and would restore Johnson's green credentials following the Cumbria coalmine disgrace.
The people most affected by this will be in former Red Wall seats.
Oh dear.
Oh dear.
Oh dear, what?
Why don't they change the name from Conservative Party to Nasty Party ?
It would make more sense.
It would make more sense.
It would make more sense for you to stop making nasty comments. Millions of voters voted Conservative at the last election, including many former Labour supporters. Are they all nasty?
Removed
Of course we couldn't possibly look to the wealthy to contribute a little more in times of crisis.
Stop crying about paying "too much tax". People who earn 150K a year or more should hang their heads in shame whilst others are struggling to buy food and pay bills!
If you were to say Mark that 80% were plenty to pay in taxes to support those who feel hard done by, it would still not be enough for many on this HYS.
Fortunately the majority of the U.K. population agree 40% is generous and it is this majority at the ballot box that matter.
Fortunately the majority of the U.K. population agree 40% is generous and it is this majority at the ballot box that matter.
Completely agree, the way things are going there will be little incentive for people to look for work. Getting sick and tired of seeing folk even before COVID loafing about with no intention of looking for work.
Agreed High tax rates eventually persuaded me to work less, pay less tax and national insurance, and have more time for myself and my family
Governments need to be very careful not to raise income taxes further if they want the economy to recover and grow
Governments need to be very careful not to raise income taxes further if they want the economy to recover and grow
Except by the time they've moved it into offshore bank accounts, etc, they're suddenly not paying 40-45% of their taxes. Not to mention corporate tax avoidance. Stop boot licking. They won't thank you for it.
To be fair to you Mark, i am sure you probably work hard to earn that money for yourself and your family. I am sure that you drive a nice car and have a nice house in the burbs, all of which i have no problem with. But when your time comes to be on benefit then you will see the difference (i hope it never does).
Not nearly high enough because nobody "earns" that much money- are the efforts of FTSE 100 CEO's really worth that of 200 nurses? The higher the salaries of the rentier class the more surplus value has been extracted from working peoples' labour *before tax*. Moreover, as a proportion of income the top 10% of "earners" pay less than the bottom 10%. Time to end the rigged system.
It means you work 2 days a week for the government and 3 days a week for yourself. You are a part time slave.
You are absolutely correct. I am fed up with giving most of my salary every month. And I am also fed up with this idea that people on UC are getting £73 per week... Most people I know on UC are getting £200 per week and live in Central London. £73 is the bare minimum... Not to mention that we are already spending 100bn on benefits every year!
You are absolutely correct. 50% of the population has never paid taxes...
Most people on UC that I know are getting much more than £73 pw. Most are on 200 pw and live in central London...
People are saying that 1/3 of UC claimers are working - yes, part time ... I want to work only 2 days a week and get sal for 5 days
Abolish the 12.5k tax allowance - everyone should have skin in the game...
Most people on UC that I know are getting much more than £73 pw. Most are on 200 pw and live in central London...
People are saying that 1/3 of UC claimers are working - yes, part time ... I want to work only 2 days a week and get sal for 5 days
Abolish the 12.5k tax allowance - everyone should have skin in the game...
Your speaking my language, I am fed up of my hard work being given to lay abouts. 40-45% is enough tax, it should not be increased anymore
There are far too many paying NO TAX and they shout the loudest about the "rich" not paying enough. If there is no point to work hard or take a risk you end up with communism, food queues, no choice, high unemployment and cars from the 1940's. We need to stop spending and make everyone a tax payer so they stop asking for more spending.
It doesn't work like that and you know it. Stop being disingenuous.
You don't earn 150K, you're paid it.
If you factor in NI and consider 2% NI band at higher rate tax, the tax bands are actually:
20% + 15% = 35% lower rate, and
40% + 2% = 42% higher rate
7% difference, not "double"
And if you factor in the lower tax brackets those in the higher band also benefit from, it is actually even closer
20% + 15% = 35% lower rate, and
40% + 2% = 42% higher rate
7% difference, not "double"
And if you factor in the lower tax brackets those in the higher band also benefit from, it is actually even closer
But they do not because there are so many tax breaks they avoid having to.
Why are food parcels full of branded food such as Heinz?
Surely, this is a waste of money.
Any money vouchers should not allow the purchase of branded products. Many people who work cannot afford branded products. Why should people on benefits be given or be able to purchase such over-priced products. If they buy them, it shows they are getting too much.
Surely, this is a waste of money.
Any money vouchers should not allow the purchase of branded products. Many people who work cannot afford branded products. Why should people on benefits be given or be able to purchase such over-priced products. If they buy them, it shows they are getting too much.
Its scary the amount of people who don't understand government. Thus isn't their money to give away! Every additional £20 is taken from the rest of the people paying taxes who are themselves struggling to keep their heads above water. There isn't a magical money tree, if you give more to some, you have to take it away from someone else.
Universal Credit costs tens of billions every year. It is not 'absolute peanuts". The rich may make money, but they do not receive anything much directly from the state.
Its scary the amount of people who don't understand government. Thus isn't their money to give away! Every additional £20 is taken from the rest of the people paying taxes who are themselves struggling to keep their heads above water. There isn't a magical money tree, if you give more to some, you have to take it away from someone else.
Tories have given hundreds of millions to their rich chums. No questions asked. The PPE scandal for example. The shipping line that never was. It's a long old list!
But when it comes to ordinary folk.....
Never trust a Tory.
But when it comes to ordinary folk.....
Never trust a Tory.
Never trust a socialist. They talk the language of equality, but they want to silence and then to damage those who disagree with them. Many, like Corbyn and Starmer, come from privileged backgrounds but but they try to hide it.
This was given as extra support in the present crisis , so when the crisis is over it should be withdrawn. However it is always harder to take away something than it is to give .I do not envy the Chancellor, there will always be someone complaining about this whenever he dos it .
Vallance agrees with Starmer, and indeed most of us. Johnson has been too indecisive with the covid pandemic. Too little done and too late.
For the hard line lefties.
Rishi Sunak is husband to a billionaire and lives in a £7 million house. In the nicest possible way, how can he ever empathise and truly understand the challenges of the most poor in our society?
Couldn't care less !
Would rather have someone off the unemployment register as Chancellor?
Get real !!
Would rather have someone off the unemployment register as Chancellor?
Get real !!
So, he should lose his job, divorce his wife, move out and live in a mud hut.
Then he'll empathise and attain enlightenment, but be in no position to do anything about it. lol
Then he'll empathise and attain enlightenment, but be in no position to do anything about it. lol