What's the fuss about this new benefit caps?

remorseless

I was reading this http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jul/20/lower-benefit-caps-exclude-poor-families-make-cities-unaffordable

can someone explain in simple words what's the fuss about this benefit cap? £23k in London, £20k elsewhere...

And?

BTW - is it £23k/£20k NET?

cells

it only applies if you don't work

unemployed people on benefits will be limited to £23,000 and since benefits are not taxed that is net

That is probably fine if you are in social housing but if in private rented its not going to be easy or require that you move to a cheaper part of London/England or find a job

HappyMJ

remorseless wrote: »

I was reading this http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jul/20/lower-benefit-caps-exclude-poor-families-make-cities-unaffordable

can someone explain in simple words what's the fuss about this benefit cap? £23k in London, £20k elsewhere...

And?

BTW - is it £23k/£20k NET?

It's really easy to avoid the cap. Get a job....any job. Even one paying minimum wages for as little as 16 hours per week....self employment meets the requirement. Ironing or cleaning houses for people who have trouble with mobility would be fine. You choose your own hours fitting around childcare responsibilities. Do that and no cap applies.

Income based benefits are not taxed so gross and net are the same figure.

Carl31

its about the same as a £27k taxed income

stator

Social cleansing.
It's the fault of the conservatives that house prices have gone up so much. It's also their fault that half the council houses are now in the hands of private landlords renting them back to the state at twice the cost. So now they are forcing poor people to move because of their failed housing policies.

kinger101

stator wrote: »

Social cleansing.
It's the fault of the conservatives that house prices have gone up so much. It's also their fault that half the council houses are now in the hands of private landlords renting them back to the state at twice the cost. So now they are forcing poor people to move because of their failed housing policies.

What did Labour do to stop this in the 13 years they were in power? Remove the right to buy social housing? Embark on a national programme of house building? Bring in rent controls to reduce the housing benefit bill. Change the taxation basis of BTL mortgages? No. They just sat by and watched the banks provide ridiculous mortgages which contributed to a property bubble.

Are you aware that in many parts of the country, house prices have still not yet reached the 2007 peak?

The lack of social housing in this country is the fault of every government post 1980 Housing Act.

lvader

stator wrote: »

Social cleansing.
It's the fault of the conservatives that house prices have gone up so much. It's also their fault that half the council houses are now in the hands of private landlords renting them back to the state at twice the cost. So now they are forcing poor people to move because of their failed housing policies.

Under Labour there was a huge increase in house prices, record low mortgage interest rates and easy to remortgage and spend the positive equity on cars and holidays. The 2003-2007 boom was pretty much based on that.

Mistermeaner

Why should only working people have to live in areas they can afford?

You want choice earn it . If you're reliant on being given things be grateful for anything you get

Mistermeaner

Out of interest can someone tell me how much a non working family of 4 gets in benefits? Inc all the cost avoidance they get from e.g. not paying council tax

chewmylegoff

ggb1979 wrote: »

Out of interest can someone tell me how much a non working family of 4 gets in benefits? Inc all the cost avoidance they get from e.g. not paying council tax

It depends...

RJP33

stator wrote: »

Social cleansing.
It's the fault of the conservatives that house prices have gone up so much. It's also their fault that half the council houses are now in the hands of private landlords renting them back to the state at twice the cost. So now they are forcing poor people to move because of their failed housing policies.

So as a taxpayer I should pay other people to live in areas I can't?

If working people can't afford to live somewhere they move. I would imagine this policy is extremely popular.