How should poverty be defined given that it drives the benefits culture

spuds_2

Most of us have just got used to having so much stuff that we think we are hard done by if we don't have it. But to be honest, I think I was just as happy when I was skint as I am now (not that I want to be hard-up again).

But back on topic, I reckon there are thousands of families in the UK who would love to have just under the £1500 a month limit and live in EU-defined poverty.

lostinrates

Did anyone turn up an average rent figure for a 3 bed house? I still would really like to know what wage that equates to.

seven-day-weekend

Pobby wrote: »

I know that you live in Spain and maybe a few years ago I would have said that £900 per month was more than adequate. From what I hear ( and saw last year ) prices have been rising a lot. Council tax is a lot lower but food and fuel has jumped up a lot. Mind you, smoke the local tobacco and drink the local wine at under 50 pence a litre and you are doing OK.:D

Pobby, we have been in the UK for nearly three months and we have still managed to live on this income.

Spain is no cheaper now really apart from Council Tax, but the huge phone/internet charges soon make up for that! For some things (groceries, furniture, white goods, household items, cars), it is more expensive than the UK.

drc

Anyone see "How the other half lives" on Channel 4? The supposedly 'poor' family were living in a council flat (so subsidised rent) and they were getting in £414 per week (from husband's salary and benefits)! If that is what is considered 'poor' (and the mother was very willing to spend £500 on an expensive laptop for herself rather than buy her kids clothes) then no wonder so many families are classed as 'poor' in the UK.

PasturesNew

drc wrote: »

Anyone see "How the other half lives" on Channel 4? The supposedly 'poor' family were living in a council flat (so subsidised rent) and they were getting in £414 per week (from husband's salary and benefits)! If that is what is considered 'poor' (and the mother was very willing to spend £500 on an expensive laptop for herself rather than buy her kids clothes) then no wonder so many families are classed as 'poor' in the UK.

Yes, appalling behaviour ... and these people were touted as "in poverty". They had more than enough money, they spent it on bad choices and didn't put any aside for things that were needed just once a year or whatever. As it was coming in, she was obviously spending it straight away.

chewmylegoff

MrsE wrote: »

I watched that too, very interesting.

When the "poor" child said "I can't go to the fridge anytime & help myself, I got to wait till the next meal or go hungry" (or words to that effect).
Well judging by the size of the mother, thats one person in that household who doesn't go hungry:rolleyes:

when i was a kid, i wasn't allowed to eat between meals either, what's that got to do with anything!

chewmylegoff

drc wrote: »

Anyone see "How the other half lives" on Channel 4? The supposedly 'poor' family were living in a council flat (so subsidised rent) and they were getting in £414 per week (from husband's salary and benefits)! If that is what is considered 'poor' (and the mother was very willing to spend £500 on an expensive laptop for herself rather than buy her kids clothes) then no wonder so many families are classed as 'poor' in the UK.

i only caught a bit of it, but it seemed a bit stupid. they still seemed to have branded clothing etc. i presumed if you were in poverty you would be forced to buy asda clothes - otherwise who does buy all the stuff in asda?

MrsE_2

chewmylegoff wrote: »

when i was a kid, i wasn't allowed to eat between meals either, what's that got to do with anything!

The child said she was hungry & couldn't go & get something to eat.

PasturesNew

chewmylegoff wrote: »

i only caught a bit of it, but it seemed a bit stupid. they still seemed to have branded clothing etc. i presumed if you were in poverty you would be forced to buy asda clothes - otherwise who does buy all the stuff in asda?

People who work for a living and don't have the income for labels. Those "in poverty" are often better off, so can afford these things.

SingleSue

I've got labels...but only because they have been hand me downs from friends or I have purchased them from charity shops/ebay for a couple of quid.