Which forum can I post about benefit policy?

seatbeltnoob

I have 2 warnings for posting about benefits policy, criticing policy etc. This forum is supposed to be just about claimants getting clarity on their claim, helping them work out what they're entitled to.

There is no other forum here where I can discuss this. People on other [general/other] boards don't really have insight into benefits and wont have a useful discussion.

sarahlply

Benefits rights U.K. have a facebook page, might be appropriate for them? Or they might know more or can signpost you.

seatbeltnoob

thank you. Really dont want to discuss on facebook. But I will create an anoymous alt just to post on there.

sarahlply

Have a read first. They may even have their own forum that’s not on social media, it was mainly help with applications but the are similar to CAB so might be able to point you in a better direction.
you can make posts on Facebook under your own account and tick post as anonymous so no one can search it back to you rather than setting up an anonymous account.

sarahlply

Try the benefits and work newsletter as well, an independent website, you can buy enhanced content if you find it useful and need their help.

Alice_Holt

seatbeltnoob said:

I have 2 warnings for posting about benefits policy, criticing policy etc. This forum is supposed to be just about claimants getting clarity on their claim, helping them work out what they're entitled to.

There is no other forum here where I can discuss this. People on other [general/other] boards don't really have insight into benefits and wont have a useful discussion.

      If you wish to raise issue(s) around benefits policy and legislation, then (IMO) the most appropriate contact would be your MP.   
     
 Organisations like Citizen Advice raise social policy concerns with policy makers (based on the practical work they do helping their clients with benefit claims / appeals / problems).  E.g: 
 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-work/policy/policy-research-topics/
You may want to support this work if it advances any benefit issues that concern you:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-work/policy/policy-research-topics/welfare-policy-research-surveys-and-consultation-responses/welfare-policy-research/

elsien

There isn’t an MSE forum you can have that discussion on. MSE chose to close down their discussion forum and there are no plans to reopen it.

kaMelo

Facebook, the place of reasoned and balanced debate.

There is no point even on a discussion forum, it may start out well but always ends up with people calling others names like fascist, bleeding heart or worse and the truth is it will have has no effect on benefit policy anyway. 

I'd agree with @Alice_Holt, if you really want to make a difference then engage with those who have that power or influence those with power such as your MP or CAB.

MalMonroe

Hi, I also agree with Alice_Holt. 

In my own experience, it's fine discussing woes and problems online, in forums, etc. but nothing gets done. Except some moaning. If you really want to take action or have some concerns, your MP would be a good place to start. My own MP is very approachable and she takes notice of what her constituents say and does put points forward on our behalf in parliament. 

MPs also very often hold surgeries where they can meet their constituents - more info in following link -

https://www.parliament.uk/about/mps-and-lords/members/mps/

You can contact your MP in writing, by email or by attending a surgery - if they hold one. But if nobody does anything, nothing gets done. 

seatbeltnoob

yes, the issue is it's best to start off on communities first and get an idea of everyones concerns and woes so you can formulte a petition that covers the main issues in a succint post.

I cant count the number of times I've been forwarded such poorly worded and through out petitions from change.org

TELLIT01

I suspect there are plenty of people who contribute on this forum who don't agree with the current benefits policy, but all anybody here can do it guide people through what current legislation dictates.