Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

Oldernotwiser

droopsnout wrote: »

As d-g points out, though, I am very lucky to have been part of a golden generation who paid nothing (or nearly nothing) for a university education, and have a final-salary pension scheme.

But you and I were part of the generation where only 10% of the age group went to university, whereas nowadays it's around 40%. Personaly I think that this sector has been overexpanded and we would be far better having fewer graduates but funding them more generously.

A funding system that was suitable for 10% was never going to be appropriate when these numbers were multiplied fourfold!

seven-day-weekend

droopsnout wrote: »

Free healthcare? Paid for when working.
Prescriptions? Used to be free for everyone.
Fuel allowances? Not paid to most expats.

That said, there are some great perks to being a pensioner in the UK, apart from the above: free TV licence and free bus travel being two.

I don't think the free TV licences apply until you are 85!:eek:

Oldernotwiser

droopsnout wrote: »

Free healthcare? Paid for when working.
Prescriptions? Used to be free for everyone.
Fuel allowances? Not paid to most expats.

That said, there are some great perks to being a pensioner in the UK, apart from the above: free TV licence and free bus travel being two.

Come on! Prescription charges were introduced more than half a century ago and, even in their current state, have been around for a long time.

donny-gal

Which is now I BUY my prescription drugs in Spain as they are less than the prescription charge!
DG

seven-day-weekend

Agree with Donny -gal, many prescription drugs (including antibiotics and antidepressants) are available off-prescription in Spain, cheaper than prescription in UK.

I am covered for free prescriptions in Spain, wouldn't be in UK, although from a week ago my husband would be!

droopsnout

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I don't think the free TV licences apply until you are 85!:eek:

All the more reason for me to live for ever!!!

Think it might be 80. My Mum has a free one, I think, and she's 83.

seven-day-weekend

Sorry droopsnout, I just checked - it's 75!

droopsnout

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Come on! Prescription charges were introduced more than half a century ago and, even in their current state, have been around for a long time.

Oh dear ...

Prescription charges were introduced in 1952 and have applied ever since, with the exception of a period of two years (1966-1968). Approximately 85% of prescriptions are actually free of charge because the patients qualify for such.

The fairness of application of charges is open to debate, and you may like to begin a reconsideration with a document here.

The existence of a system, procedure or policy for a long time doesn't make it right. Or perhaps we should still be worshipping the sun.

The use of "Come on!" is presumably meant only to goad, as it carries no factual information.

Fact: prescription charges in Wales were abolished on 1 April 2007.
Fact: Prescription charges in Scotland were reduced from £6.85 to £5.00 from 1 April 2008.

As I said (apparently endlessly), countries have to decide on their spending priorities.

And I've just checked, and free TV licences are issued to the over-75s.

droopsnout

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But you and I were part of the generation where only 10% of the age group went to university, whereas nowadays it's around 40%. Personaly I think that this sector has been overexpanded and we would be far better having fewer graduates but funding them more generously.

I tend to agree. So long as admission is equitably arranged. I.e., is fair to all sections of the population. However, the State decided that its people should improve their skills and knowledge to compete better with the wider world. At the same time, it said that its people should pay for it.

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

A funding system that was suitable for 10% was never going to be appropriate when these numbers were multiplied fourfold!

Again, it's merely a matter of how you choose to spend your money.

Scotland finds the money. England, Wales and NI don't, IIRC.

Oldernotwiser

droopsnout wrote: »

Scotland finds the money. England, Wales and NI don't, IIRC.

Scotland doesn't charge tuition fees but it offers far less money for low income students to live on; as you say, it's a question of choices.

Going back to the question of prescription charges, nobody in the UK, regardless of income and number of prescriptions, has to pay more than £10 per month in total. You can't buy a lot of medication for that, even in Spain!