MSE News: Benefits to rise 2.2%, as inflation falls

Morlock

LesU wrote: »

So the big energy companies all raised their rates in September last year.

Centrica only made a profit of £2.4 billion, and British Gas only made half a billion pounds, they obviously have to increase profits somehow...because the country is broke.

Midnighter

PaulF81 wrote: »

to be fair, the allowances scandal has significantly cut their "pay" and was long accepted as part of pay and the "package" for mp's, who get paid very little comparatively for the level of responsibility they hold.

Really? I'm sure I read somewhere that their pay and 'perks' had crept back up to the level they were at pre-scandal. If not higher.

dggar

LesU wrote: »

So the big energy companies all raised their rates in September last year. Result? A rise in inflation and a big bill for the Government. (everything linked to September CPI/RPI).
This year, no rises until October. Result? A fall in inflation in September and a much lower bill for the Government for all next year. Although, of course, the people paying the energy bills will still be paying a lot more next year.
Was there some pressure on the energy companies to delay for a month? If so, what was the deal? No energy cost investigations?

and don't forget the petrol price escalator which was shelved in August and to be re introduced in January 2013

chris1973

I have a "friend" who is 43 and has never done a proper days work in his life. He calls himself self employed, a self employment which is actually a glorified hobby whereby he works when he chooses, which is often about one weekend in every month. Of course his 'business' falls well below the minimum required to pay tax after his personal allowance is taken into account and he just merrily submits his low earnings via self assessment every year and doesn't pay a penny, and what he does make is his own to keep and classed as pocket money.

Whenever questioned as to what he is doing to build his business and get more work he points to his website, his business cards, his latest mailshoot etc, and blames the recession, when its actually his choice to work when he feels like it. Whenever he's interviewed and advised to seek alternative work, he says he's a blacksmith, high wire act, gas lamp fitter or some other obscure or outdated profession, which of course there are no vacancies for, and thats it for another 'x' months / years.

In the meantime he sponges off his minimum wage earning wife, and ponces around at home, the family income being topped up by whatever benefits they happen to be entitled to - don' ask me which ones, but I do know they wouldn't be able to pay a mortgage let alone run a household on what his missus earns.

I'm sure that there are people who would say that this was impossible, but i'd say bollox, its happening right in front of me to somebody I know, and has been for years, and if 'you' are honest and admit it then you probably know or know of one just like him too!.

They aren't rich by any means, but he's managed to live this lifestyle since leaving school - his choice, not yours, or mine!.

Unfortunately, its also people like this who screw it up for those in genuine need, but don't say its not happening, sticking your head in the sand is a luxury observed and encouraged only by those in politics and it won't make it go away!.

I've heard several times this well worn, emotive hot air from whichever simpleton happens to be 'running' the country that they are going to get 'tough' on people like this, but actions speak louder than words, and i've yet to see it affect my 'friends' way of life nor urinate down the back of his lifestyle.

When I see him forced to search for a job, and attend his (first ever) job interview then i'll believe it, until then Jackanory......Jackanory. Jog On!

Russe11

chris1973 wrote: »

I have a "friend" who is 43 and has never done a proper days work in his life. He calls himself self employed, a self employment which is actually a glorified hobby whereby he works when he chooses, which is often about one weekend in every month. Of course his 'business' falls well below the minimum required to pay tax after his personal allowance is taken into account and he just merrily submits his low earnings via self assessment every year and doesn't pay a penny, and what he does make is his own to keep and classed as pocket money.

Whenever questioned as to what he is doing to build his business and get more work he points to his website, his business cards, his latest mailshoot etc, and blames the recession, when its actually his choice to work when he feels like it. Whenever he's interviewed and advised to seek alternative work, he says he's a blacksmith, high wire act, gas lamp fitter or some other obscure or outdated profession, which of course there are no vacancies for, and thats it for another 'x' months / years.

In the meantime he sponges off his minimum wage earning wife, and ponces around at home, the family income being topped up by whatever benefits they happen to be entitled to - don' ask me which ones, but I do know they wouldn't be able to pay a mortgage let alone run a household on what his missus earns.

I'm sure that there are people who would say that this was impossible, but i'd say bollox, its happening right in front of me to somebody I know, and has been for years, and if 'you' are honest and admit it then you probably know or know of one just like him too!.

They aren't rich by any means, but he's managed to live this lifestyle since leaving school - his choice, not yours, or mine!.

Unfortunately, its also people like this who screw it up for those in genuine need, but don't say its not happening, sticking your head in the sand is a luxury observed and encouraged only by those in politics and it won't make it go away!.

I've heard several times this well worn, emotive hot air from whichever simpleton happens to be 'running' the country that they are going to get 'tough' on people like this, but actions speak louder than words, and i've yet to see it affect my 'friends' way of life nor urinate down the back of his lifestyle.

When I see him forced to search for a job, and attend his (first ever) job interview then i'll believe it, until then Jackanory......Jackanory. Jog On!

Sounds to me like that person has it pretty much sorted, must get you, you are either jealous or should just let them get on with it.

Small fry in the bigger scheme and costs the welfare very little, compared to the families of 10, false claiments, public sector worker getting big pay offs, pensions that are unsustainable in local government that you pay for through your council tax.

I wouldn't choose a poorly paid time consuming job over a lifestyle choice either.

princessdon

I'd like a 2.2% payrise - Freezes again this year (and less pension)

ashtrees

If you receive Pension Credit you will get the increased State Pension BUT your Pension Credit will be reduced by the exact same amount. Last year I received £5.30 increase on my state pension and my Pension Credit was reduced by £5.30 meaning that for the whole year I had no increase in my pension despite food prices being increased by 32% and energy prices going up by 15%. How do they expect pensioners to manage when they get no increase. This never happened under Labour it's time to get this lot out.

harz99

ashtrees wrote: »

If you receive Pension Credit you will get the increased State Pension BUT your Pension Credit will be reduced by the exact same amount. Last year I received £5.30 increase on my state pension and my Pension Credit was reduced by £5.30 meaning that for the whole year I had no increase in my pension despite food prices being increased by 32% and energy prices going up by 15%. How do they expect pensioners to manage when they get no increase. This never happened under Labour it's time to get this lot out.

I am confused. Your other post in a different thread indicates you to be a 63 year old male, so how are you managing to receive State Pension before age 65?

annie1975_2

ashtrees wrote: »

If you receive Pension Credit you will get the increased State Pension BUT your Pension Credit will be reduced by the exact same amount. Last year I received £5.30 increase on my state pension and my Pension Credit was reduced by £5.30 meaning that for the whole year I had no increase in my pension despite food prices being increased by 32% and energy prices going up by 15%. How do they expect pensioners to manage when they get no increase. This never happened under Labour it's time to get this lot out.

Its the same every where.
Over the last 4 years my OH has had a £5000 pay cut,then lost his job and got another job which is another £5000 pay cut.
And all the increase in food, gas and electric,petro; increases,etc etc...The job he has got now is just above min wage and they havent had a pay rise in the last 7 years..
I agree we dont look after our pensioners enough,and it is only just the start of things with this government.

annie1975_2

topaziem wrote: »

Simply because those that are working in this country that are paying the for the Welfare budget objected to benefit claimants, including the pensioners getting such a large increase, whereas most of them haven't seen a payrise for up to 5 years!

Public opinion won over the demands of those that are a drain on society.

I have to agree with part of your post,the welfare budget is a disgrace.We let anyone in the country,give them a place to live,pay their rent,benefits for them and their family's,and never paid anything into the system....But as for the pensioners,the majority of todays pensioners have worked damned hard all their lives.Not all could afford a private pension,and those who could afford it get penalised for doing so...