Savings scheme for those on benefits

jdturk

Doom_and_Gloom wrote: »

£25/month is a very little ammount. I think it is a good idea in theory. It means they save money to help for if something goes wrong (as they can get into the account if needed) - hoover/microwave/toaster/kettle/freezer/fridge/washing machine breaks down and they need another or if people need a new sofa/bed etc they can afford to. It means people on benefits won't fall back on places like brighthouse who charge more just because you can't/have a hard time getting credit on benefits. In that respect I think it is a good idea.

Good point

out_of_cash

how the hell someone can afford to save when on jsa etc is beyond me, as most people on the £64.00 per wk income for food and bills will realise that they are already on the poverty line. I can honestly say i am quite safe as to not participate in this fairytale savings scheme,anyone who can then good luck to them.Just dont stop eating though.lol.

Doom_and_Gloom

out_of_cash wrote: »

how the hell someone can afford to save when on jsa etc is beyond me, as most people on the £64.00 per wk income for food and bills will realise that they are already on the poverty line. I can honestly say i am quite safe as to not participate in this fairytale savings scheme,anyone who can then good luck to them.Just dont stop eating though.lol.

It would be rather hard for single people yes but some on JSA have partners and/or children. I'd see it as an insurance policy almost for the reason I've stated above (in my last post). You can not always get what you need on freecycle, from friends, from family etc. Sometimes the only way is to get it new or 2nd hand from advertisments in newspapers etc. I would much rather see a person on benefits be able to replace needed items by paying for them outright by this scheme than have to buy from places like brighthouse!

Also remember that £25/month is the maximum. This is less than £6/week. This could be a lot less than what someone might have to pay weekly to buy from a weekly payment store if they need to replace something.

jdturk

Doom_and_Gloom wrote: »

It would be rather hard for single people yes but some on JSA have partners and/or children. I'd see it as an insurance policy almost for the reason I've stated above. You can not always get what you need on freecycle, from friends, from family etc. Sometimes the only way is to get it new or 2nd hand from advertisments in newspapers etc. I would much rather see a person on benefits be able to replace needed items by paying for them outright by this scheme than have to buy from places like brighthouse!

Also remember that £25/month is the maximum. This is less than £6/week. This could be a lot less than what someone might have to pay weekly to buy from a weekly payment store if they need to replace something.

I do think that since you have brought these points to the table my mind has been swayed slightly