Welfare Reform

Depth_Charge

Hi

A couple of interesting articles -

What went wrong (some staggering IT costs mentioned in this one)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23971068

An interesting one below on 'softening attitudes' and a talking point perhaps given the welfare reform programme

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24021037

The bedroom tax is one aspect that is underway now and causing many problems already as people struggle to hang on to their homes and afford the basics such as food never mind paying their debts.

More Debt Relief Orders??

A long road ahead here and a lot can happen, not looking good at the moment though!

As always time will tell

My take

Upsidedown_Bear

Michael Gove makes me :mad:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2416737/Poor-forced-use-food-banks-Theyve-got-blame-says-Michael-Gove.html

Depth_Charge

Upsidedown_Bear wrote: »

Michael Gove makes me :mad:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2416737/Poor-forced-use-food-banks-Theyve-got-blame-says-Michael-Gove.html

Hi

Their own decisions, unable to manage their finances?

Who is he actually talking about?

Oh dear, it is hard to comment after reading that other than I wont take him on as a Debt Adviser if he ever applies:)

Do you now see what I mean in earlier posts.

Then they came for.....

My take

Upsidedown_Bear

Yes, I see exactly what you mean.

I think he would be a very bad debt adviser. Not that he's much good at his current job.

Growurown

Mr. Gove has never been one of my favourite people but I like him even less now. My work colleague has three children and it cost her over £500 to kit them out with school uniform this summer. With these sort of costs it's no wonder low paid families are struggling.

The reasons why families turn to food banks are complex, and every case is different. When you are on a low income it only takes a small crisis to make life very difficult and people don't have any reserves to get them out of those difficulties.

Depth_Charge

Hi

Latest on Payday Loans from Citizens Advice -

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_office-newpage-20130903

People are going to these lenders to bridge the gaps so to speak

The simple maths would perhaps suggest that a bigger problem is then being stored down the line.

Going back to the quote of "Their own decisions, unable to manage their finances" where is the line drawn on that type of comment, it could apply to anyone who has debt problems.

Of course the real world of debt can be and is different to blanket comments.

It is a shocker in my opinion.

Citizens Advice's 'big puncher' Gillian tells it as it is and gets it right again -

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/pressoffice/press_index/press_office20130910b.htm

My take as always

Upsidedown_Bear

Mr Gove, this is why people have to use food banks.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/sep/11/food-bank-britain-didnt-ask-be-ill

Depth_Charge

Upsidedown_Bear wrote: »

Mr Gove, this is why people have to use food banks.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/sep/11/food-bank-britain-didnt-ask-be-ill

Hi

Thanks for this, it brings out the gravity of the situation some people are finding themselves in.

An all too familiar picture for me

Unfortunately I cannot see how things cannot do anything else but get worse as it currently stands.

Genuine independent, impartial advice & support is needed like never before.

This is going to be a very difficult period for many, don't suffer unnecessarily, prioritise your debts, get advice, help & support that is best for you & your families, not others.

My take

Depth_Charge

Hi

Here is what CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group) have to say.

There is an excellent video giving an insight to the struggle and misery of debt.

http://www.cpag.org.uk/people-like-us

This is doing and will affect millions of people and their families and like the title says "it could be you"

My take

Depth_Charge

Hi

Another angle to all this -

Getting tougher on benefit fraud.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24104743

"Swift Assurances on Universal Credit"

"Earlier this year, MPs on the Communities and Local Government Select Committee called on the government to give a "swift assurance" that the introduction of its new welfare system, known as Universal Credit, would not cause a rise in benefit fraud.
Universal Credit will eventually replace six key means-tested benefits with one payment"

Benefit fraud over payments stand outside many debt solutions and can add up to substantial amounts when the 'backdating' dust settles so to speak.

The above can be a contentious and tricky area at times with regard to debt solutions.

Anyway it is Monday again (its that time thing)

My take