MSE News: Autumn Statement: Benefits to rise by just 1%

SandraScarlett

As one of the frequently bashed Baby Boomers, I'm grateful for our 2.5% increase. I only get 60% of the pension, as I didn't have enough years of contribution (it used to be 39 years, it's only 30 now), so this will be about £1.50 for me, but as I was expecting some things to be cut, I'm pleased.

I know the Age Related Allowance isn't being increased, but I'm very glad that this has helped to raise the Personal Allowance for those under pension age.

I think it's absolutely right that those who are working hard to keep their noses above water, if not their heads, are rewarded.

xx

schrodie

shedboy94 wrote: »

I personally would struggle to survive on £71pw, however the vast majority of benefit recipients are receiving a hell of a lot more than £71pw

Can you place a figure on that or is that statement based on what the daily mail have lead you to believe. And if they are getting "a hell of a lot more than £71pw" how much more?

For interest the government expects 2 people, one sick/disabled, to live off £150 a week!

schrodie

wayne0 wrote: »

whilst i support the benefits system, i prefer to work for my living, despite actually being worse off for the fact... (nice isnt it)

And the vast majority of rightminded people share your sentiment including those currently claiming welfare benefits, however one day you may not be able to work due to sickness or disability! Nobody is immune from that.

zoominatorone

Some people think the benefit money comes from a bottomless pit. It doesn't.

schrodie

Some people think that benefit claimants are scroungers. They're not.

miduck

schrodie wrote: »

Can you place a figure on that or is that statement based on what the daily mail have lead you to believe. And if they are getting "a hell of a lot more than £71pw" how much more?

For interest the government expects 2 people, one sick/disabled, to live off £150 a week!

Plus DLA, housing costs, free prescriptions, no council tax ...

Pretty healthy amount when it is all added up!

zoominatorone

schrodie wrote: »

Some people think that benefit claimants are scroungers. They're not.

I think it's only benefit claimants who think workers think they are scroungers. Which probably explains why they are so touchy.

schrodie

miduck wrote: »

Plus DLA, housing costs, free prescriptions, no council tax ...

Pretty healthy amount when it is all added up!

A few assumptions there. They may not qualify for DLA they may not rent so they may not qualify for housing costs, not all disability benefits give you free prescriptions.

miduck

schrodie wrote: »

A few assumptions there. They may not qualify for DLA they may not rent so they may not qualify for housing costs, not all disability benefits give you free prescriptions.

If you have no income other than the couples rate of ESA, you will qualify for free prescriptions and full CTB. If you have a mortgage you will qualify for SMI, if you live rent free then clearly you do not need the money to pay for housing costs.

Anything else?

schrodie

zoominatorone wrote: »

I think it's only benefit claimants who think workers think they are scroungers. Which probably explains why they are so touchy.

I think it's the daily mail's single brain-cell supporters that think benefit claimants are scroungers until of course they become one.

However the level tax evasion and avoidance far outstrips the level of welfare fraud but that appears to be acceptable amongst the ignoranti.