Costs soar as Labour voters told to pay their way

ruggedtoast

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jun/08/councils-benefit-cuts-families-homes

The government's clampdown on benefits is forcing up, rather than cutting, the cost of housing low-income families in wealthy areas, as people are shifted into hotels and bed and breakfasts, according to new figures obtained for the Observer.

Charities are also reporting a chain of misery and chaos as children are forced to move schools, and parents have to spend much of their time ferrying them large distances to classes.

Data obtained through freedom of information requests shows that at Westminster council – one of the wealthiest areas in the country – the bill for homelessness has shot up by 63.5% since last year as new temporary accommodation has had to be found for those hit by cuts. The figures show that it has cost Westminster more to place thousands of people in temporary accommodation, including hotels, than the council has saved through the government's welfare clampdown.

A Guardian reader, apparently dissatisfied with her free handout


It's a shame that this is costing money in the short term, but hopefully people will start getting the message that they can't just turn up in the middle of central London with their pockets turned out and a couple of kids in tow and expect a taxpayer funded flat 5 minutes walk from Buckingham palace because, because it's their rights innit.

I found the comments infuriating, I can't understand how anyone who actually works and pays taxes can approve virtually unlimited amounts of public money being handed over to private landlords so that people on benefits can live places people who work ad live within their means can't afford.

Masomnia

I'd thank you twice if I could Rugged.

somethingcorporate

The costs for housing these "homeless" folk is staggering! £12k+ a month in some cases according to the BBC article.

TruckerT

somethingcorporate wrote: »

The costs for housing these "homeless" folk is staggering! £12k+ a month in some cases according to the BBC article.

!!!!!! - BUILD COUNCIL HOUSES!!!

...it's a no-brainer...

TruckerT

Jennifer_Jane

I wonder how many children in the UK are required to change schools as their parents change jobs, etc. For myself, I went to 3 primary schools and one secondary one.

As opposed to "misery", I quite enjoyed it. My ex-boss's children have now been to schools in 3 different countries and two different areas of the UK.

I don't think it's misery-inducing, and, in fact, I think it builds strength and flexibility.

TruckerT

Jennifer_Jane wrote: »

I wonder how many children in the UK are required to change schools as their parents change jobs, etc. For myself, I went to 3 primary schools and one secondary one.

As opposed to "misery", I quite enjoyed it. My ex-boss's children have now been to schools in 3 different countries and two different areas of the UK.

I don't think it's misery-inducing, and, in fact, I think it builds strength and flexibility.

Have you ever met anybody from the 'lower classes'?

TruckerT

ILW

TruckerT wrote: »

!!!!!! - BUILD COUNCIL HOUSES!!!

...it's a no-brainer...

TruckerT

And thousands more will flock to London.

TruckerT

ILW wrote: »

And thousands more will flock to London.

Then let them pay the £12k per month, as mentioned on post 3.

TruckerT

Thrugelmir

TruckerT wrote: »

Have you ever met anybody from the 'lower classes'?

I've met many who have risen to great heights. Aspiration has no class or boundaries.

TruckerT

Thrugelmir wrote: »

I've met many who have risen to great heights. Aspiration has no class or boundaries.

My question was not addressed to you...

TruckerT

Jennifer_Jane

TruckerT wrote: »

Have you ever met anybody from the 'lower classes'?

TruckerT

Defining people by class is a miserable thing, Trucker. What a pity you work to this narrow, stupid, outdated standard.

Obviously your question is also ridiculous. If you don't think I've lived my life going to school with, working with, socialising with, and falling in love with, people of all types and backgrounds, then you must think I've lived a very insular life.

I guess you want me to be offended, but really, your post is just beyond belief.