Why Should Anybody Get More Than Average Wage on Benefit?
I suspect that those who framed our benefits rules many years ago, probably didn’t expect that years later claimants would get such high benefits, so they left this simple rule out.
So now benefits have spiralled out of control as government after government has put sticking plaster over sticking plaster to try to mend a failed system.
The proposed rule is a sensible one, that would probably be supported by most people, but like most things, managing the change will be the most difficult part.
But it is an insult to a prudent family, living on or below the average wage to have neighbours, who don’t work and perhaps never have, getting a lot more in benefits.
It is not a new problem, as in the 1970s, when we first lived in Suffolk, there was a problem family in the village, whose expensive lifestyle was completely sustained by benefits and certain interesting piecework. Many complained about it, but nothing happened.
The Anonymous Widower 
I agree, I also agree about the capping of housing benefit, there are private landlords charging ridiculous rents to unemployed people, knowing the DWP will pay it. Too many people have no concept of living within their means and cutting their coat according to their cloth. When our eldest daughter was tiny we moved to another part of UK after my husband was made redundant, our mortgage was much higher than it had been because house prices were higher. The money saving techniques we learnt then have stood us in good stead for when we are now financially stable.
Comment by liz | January 23, 2012 |
When my wife was sorting out the finances of divorces, she was astonished to find what was supposed to be essential. It used to be video recorders and then it was Sky dishes and all the trimings.
Comment by AnonW | January 23, 2012 |
I know many women who consider weekly visits to hairdresser and beauty essential, false nails, etc. Costing a fortune. I do have my hair coloured, but only every three months or so, and I do go to beauty salon, but because of my disability – a pedicure is much nicer than a chirpody visit, and cheaper. But if we were struggling for money they would go straight away.
Comment by liz | January 23, 2012 |
I have my hair cut every three weeks or so. I get it done free too!
Comment by AnonW | January 23, 2012 |