Crossover point

Alice_Holt

economic wrote: »

That said, we live in the UK where we can afford (for now) state benefits for the poorest. No one is starving, nearly everyone has a home so there is no poverty in this country.

How I wish that were true.

At our local CAB, we see poverty on a daily basis amongst our clients.

If you doubt that poverty exists, volunteer at your local food bank or homeless shelter.

When I was working in industry, I may have shared your view.
Having retired early, and then went on to volunteer at the CAB, I now have a completely different perspective.
I seriously worry for many of our clients, particularly those battling poor mental health, learning difficulties, etc. The welfare system can be cruel and heartless - WCA can drive those with poor mental health into full blown crisis :
http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/work-and-pensions-committee/employment-and-support-allowance-and-work-capability-assessments/written/9797.html

Children's poverty is now increasing:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/mar/16/child-poverty-in-uk-at-highest-level-since-2010-official-figures-show

I was lucky to have a stable, loving, relatively well off childhood. Went to a good school....degree...professional qualification.....a career with a major FTSE company, etc. Rather took it for granted - just following the track set out for me.
Could I have done this had family circumstances been different? I rather doubt it.

greenglide

That said, we live in the UK where we can afford (for now) state benefits for the poorest.

"We" certainly can afford to pay benefits for the poorest however to a large extent "we" choose not to pay enough.

Those we have the most do ensure that they choose to keep their wealth and little trickles downwards. As a nation we have enough wealth to ensure that noone lives in poverty, no one needs food banks, no one is homeless etc.

Unfortunately as a nation we choose not to do this.

We really should hang our in heads in shame.

Glen_Clark

The Trickle Down Effect...