Bedroom Tax and kids living away??

nannytone_2

im not 10 years old though!

ab.da54

nannytone wrote: »

i never said i was well known in my community!

i also have mild aspergers, and apart from a few close friends, i really struggle to socialise!
the fact that i write to my MP about things that concern me ( and should really concern everyone) doesnt mean that i am on the street corner making speecches and ralleying the troops!
i was a member od DCIL, but its nearest meeting place is now over 30 miles away.
i keep in touch via the telephone, but as i am only able to get out and about for 22 hours a week, i prefer to use that time for other things that i have to doit is my ability to live a norma;ish life that is going to be impacted... not the time i can go out partying and making merry!

Aah, ok. It was supportive, so I suppose here are different types of offering support, one of which is face to face but perhaps that is not what you meant. I apologise.

I don't think this topic should be about you, but about the situation in general and I don't want to get drawn in by expanding on what you have said, so I think it would be better to discuss in general rather than the personal.

ab.da54

ab.da54 wrote: »

If a parent said that her 10 year old was feeling isolated, would it be patronising to suggest she might join her local brownies group?

nannytone wrote: »

im not 10 years old though!

Irrespective of the age of the person, if someone said that they would be isolated, making suggestions about how they can overcome that isolation is merely a suggestion rather than an order that they must do it.

I do not understand the barriers.

Mojisola

ab.da54 wrote: »

If a parent said that her 10 year old was feeling isolated, would it be patronising to suggest she might join her local brownies group?

nannytone wrote: »

im not 10 years old though!

There have been threads in the past from people moving to a new area who have been advised to join groups or adult education classes in order to make friends/get some adult company.

I don't think they thought they were being patronised.

On a open forum, where people don't personally know each other, lots of advice will be offered. Take what's useful to you and ignore the rest.

If none of the advice seems useful, either there is no solution or you need to reassess your attitude.

SandraScarlett

I know many pensioners, like myself, who don't qualify for Pension Credit, and the associated benefits, who were prudent, during their working lives, and built up modest nest eggs for their retirement.

The interest that they used to get from these savings, provided extra funds to supplement their pensions. With the bank rate sinking like a stone, these have been cut from 6% to 1% or less, meaning £10,000 in savings, which used to yield £600, now yields less than £100.

Did anyone who wasn't affected say "that's not fair" and offer some of their money to us? Of course not! Those with mortgages have seen their repayments go down, and they're the winners, whilst the losers have just had to cut down.

And yet still there are those demanding that pensioners should have their WFA means tested, or taken away - unless they're on Pension Credits. Why is it OK for those receiving HB, and are then asked to pay for an extra room, to say this is unfair, and yet others have seen their income drop and have just had to suck it up?

When my DH is at his Alzheimers club, I would love to be able to visit a cousin who is housebound, but the petrol and the Dartford Tunnel toll charge means I do this once a month, instead of once a week.

It's crystal clear that in spite of the fantastic advice that some of the people who will have to pay for the luxury of a spare room have been given, they will not accept any of it.

xx

nannytone_2

i agree it isnt about me... there are so many in a much worse position.

i only use myself as an example as i dont kve enough experience with other situations, so really have no authority to speak on others behalf.

as i have said i will manage.
many wont, and its those that im worried about

seven-day-weekend

SandraScarlett wrote: »

I know many pensioners, like myself, who don't qualify for Pension Credit, and the associated benefits, who were prudent, during their working lives, and built up modest nest eggs for their retirement.

The interest that they used to get from these savings, provided extra funds to supplement their pensions. With the bank rate sinking like a stone, these have been cut from 6% to 1% or less, meaning £10,000 in savings, which used to yield £600, now yields less than £100.

Did anyone who wasn't affected say "that's not fair" and offer some of their money to us? Of course not! Those with mortgages have seen their repayments go down, and they're the winners, whilst the losers have just had to cut down.

And yet still there are those demanding that pensioners should have their WFA means tested, or taken away - unless they're on Pension Credits. Why is it OK for those receiving HB, and are then asked to pay for an extra room, to say this is unfair, and yet others have seen their income drop and have just had to suck it up?

When my DH is at his Alzheimers club, I would love to be able to visit a cousin who is housebound, but the petrol and the Dartford Tunnel toll charge means I do this once a month, instead of once a week.

It's crystal clear that in spite of the fantastic advice that some of the people who will have to pay for the luxury of a spare room have been given, they will not accept any of it.

xx

Good post SS....couldn't agree more. Our £5 a week WFA is under threat, unless you already have your housing costs met.

You know it makes sense.

nannytone_2

my parents are in exactly the same position. they never had lavish lifestyles and saved for their retirement.
they get no benefits and also pay tax on their income of just over 15k a year * state and private pebsions)
my mum isnt well and could proabably claim attendance allowance, but refuses.
but pensioners are also protected from the most savage cuts, and are on the whole, guaranteed a minimum income.

woeking age claimants have no such assurance, as the goalpost keep being moved.

they grey vite has always been taken seriously and i expect always will.

the disabled arent quite so well thought of.

ab.da54

nannytone wrote: »

the disabled arent quite so well thought of.

The disabled are well thought of given the level of benefits they may be entitiled to.

nannytone_2

not all people with life altering disabilities attract the high rates of benefit!

ESA WRAG is £99 a week, and when you are looking at prolonged periods of time on this income ... life is hard
i know rent anf council tax benefit are additional benefits, but they dont keep you lights working or food in your belly.