so which one for the axe?

[alphadog]

I don't see why the pensioners should be spared. I suspect if you started means testing the state pension to some reasonable level, it would be job done in finding the savings the govt wants.

[oscarose]

I don't see why the pensioners should be spared. I suspect if you started means testing the state pension to some reasonable level, it would be job done in finding the savings the govt wants.

because they are good at voting

[vetran]

I don't see why the pensioners should be spared. I suspect if you started means testing the state pension to some reasonable level, it would be job done in finding the savings the govt wants.

the wealthy pensioners vote and mainly for the tories.


It does seem that some benefits should be means tested if it doesn't cost too much though.

[The Spartan]

I don't see why the pensioners should be spared. I suspect if you started means testing the state pension to some reasonable level, it would be job done in finding the savings the govt wants.

Depends on how you want to approach it, thing is if you're putting into the system then you should be entitled to something back eventually or be able to opt out of putting in, in the first place.

So if you're a spender through life you get a pension but if you're cautious and plan your retirement you end up getting less, not really a great idea to me.

[SimonMac]

Why does it have to be benefits that are cut? I would like to see MPs salaries halved. Health and safety removed. And QE spent on tax cuts. This would enable the economy to grow and get rid of the deficit that way.

And cut bodyguards for Tony Blair too.

Salaries for MP's were brought in in 1911 (£400 a year IIRC) as they wanted more "commoners" in the house of commons, so those without a private income were usually unable to stand for parliment before salaries were introduced

[VectraMan]

Depends on how you want to approach it, thing is if you're putting into the system then you should be entitled to something back eventually or be able to opt out of putting in, in the first place.

It's tax. Should we all be able to opt out of tax because we never get something back? That's not really the point of tax. I know ostensibly NI is meant to pay for your pension, but nobody really believes that.

If you means tested pensions including property value, then you'd probably save a fair wedge. On top of that you'd encourage the old dears to sell up, move somewhere smaller/sunnier, thus solving the housing crisis. And solving the housing crisis would effect a big saving on housing benefit.

[SimonMac]

the wealthy pensioners vote and mainly for the tories.


It does seem that some benefits should be means tested if it doesn't cost too much though.

Thats one of the biggest problems, its a nightmare trying to means test everyone, and you can't simply tax the richest because everyone has ambition that one day they too could be rich if they work hard

[The Spartan]

It's tax. Should we all be able to opt out of tax because we never get something back? That's not really the point of tax. I know ostensibly NI is meant to pay for your pension, but nobody really believes that.

If you means tested pensions including property value, then you'd probably save a fair wedge. On top of that you'd encourage the old dears to sell up, move somewhere smaller/sunnier, thus solving the housing crisis. And solving the housing crisis would effect a big saving on housing benefit.

So in effect penalising anyone who decided to buy their house, why should they have to sell up?

It was in fact NI I was more or less on about, but still the point stands why should anyone get less because they've prepared for their future while others don't.

[BrilloPad]

So in effect penalising anyone who decided to buy their house, why should they have to sell up?

Because the country needs the housing stock. Wrinklies already have it all. Why can't they share a little with the young?

[The Spartan]

Because the country needs the housing stock. Wrinklies already have it all. Why can't they share a little with the young?

It does need more housing stock but isn't that more to do more with certain areas?

Also having areas of highly concentrated economic activity doesn't make it any better, shouldn't it be more spread out throughout the country. There seem to be a lot of properties in Wales to buy when I looked today.