50 word Moneyfesto - Small changes for a big difference 2013

onesixfive

Have a system of all-year -round schooling. 13 weeks off is unrealistic in the real world of employment. Get the kids ready for the "real" world, and bring the teachers in line with all other employments. This way children (& teachers) could have a system of pre-booking & taking, say, 6 weeks leave as/when convenient - like workers - this way, holidays companies could not monopolise certain weeks & overcharge pre-set school holiday periods.

leithman1

We rely increasingly on volunteers to provide services in social care and other sectors. Saving huge amounts of money, and allowing services to be offered at all. Tax credits for time given would reward volunteers and encourage others into volunteering in the future. Offer the option to decline the credits.

merit_mark_2

Regulate the situation where a complete item such as a computer printer or an electric shaver is sold cheaply to force the buyer into later paying high prices for essential consumable components (ie: printer cartridge or shaver foil) .

wildthing01

Definitely regulate much more strongly the 'loanshark' type companies - the ones promising poor or vulnerable people quick cash loans or immediate access to new household goods, and then charging interest rates of 2000+ %. It's extremely dangerous for those people, cannot be good for the economy and is of course highly unethical and immoral.

Biggers68

The way maths is taught in schools is completely removed from real life. Maths should be much more practical with children / adults taught about the value of money and how to actually budget. If children understood the true value of money more entrepreneurs would be born boosting the economy.

Muttlee

Everybody should provide proof of paying or exemption before receiving medication. I have never been challenged yet have a pre payment card. No proof no drugs no exceptions. I suggest pharmaceutical companies put pressure on to not ask for proof. How easy declaring wrong details on a script.

thelooney

The government will leave stop interfering with interest rates and creating a impoverished pension class.

Interest rates are bailing out the debtors and punishing the sensible.

They keeping house prices artificially high therefore preventing our youth from ever becoming owners.

Let the markets weed out weak companies so that the country can build again from a strong base.

thelooney

Don't let companies charge for keeping you waiting on the phone!

nenebrighton

I would like to see a reduction in flight/holiday costs during school holidays. Obviously, demand is high so there are always people willing to pay over the odds - eg. personal experience Feb half-term Easyjet flights Gatwick to Milan (booked in November) would have cost £900 for 2 adults + 2 kids if sticking to the school dates. We are taking a Fri & Mon either side of these dates and the price is £300. Ludicrous!

Alternatively, schools should give families the right to take up to 2 weeks holiday at any time of year during school time (with no fines) so that families can benefit from sensible pricing like everyone else.

wildcalm

Rethink tax-deductible expenses as it is unfair on certain businesses and promotes wasteful consumption. Many (small) service-based businesses are at a tax disadvantage if they are attempting to keep overheads low as, by nature, they are not in a position (or it's of no benefit to their business) to make full use of written-off expenses. There needs to be a better approach to how allowable expenses (and capital allowances) are calculated, as the current system uses the same rationale whether it's for a plant-heavy manufacturing business or a self-employed web designer.