Child benefit scrapped for high earners

**MrMark** · 4 October 2010, 06:59

Originally posted by administrator View Post

BBC News - Child benefit to be scrapped for higher taxpayers

A good move. Don't understand why the socialists didn't do this.

Possibly because
a) the admin involved in testing this will probably rule out any cost savings - Good to see some public sector job creation though

(of course this is based on the history of measures like tax credits - it may well be that George can implement a simple tax test that shows whether someone qualifies or not, and so not so costly to implement - I can see loopholes though with such an approach)
b) there's an argument that even the top earners should get something back from the welfare state under certain circumstances

**MarillionFan** · 4 October 2010, 07:16

So again, we have a complex means tested rule.

2013. So it's not something that can quickly and easily implemented! The joke is, that with massive austerity changes, increased VAT, that the coalition will implement these unpopular but necessary changes, will become hugely unpopular, reduce the deficit and then the proles will vote labour back in to start the cycle again.

**TimberWolf** · 4 October 2010, 07:21

Shouldn't society be discouraging breeding rather than rewarding it? Global warming init.

**shaunbhoy** · 4 October 2010, 07:22

Looks like I will be hit by this.

My eldest son's fiancee's family are a bunch of chavy benefit-scroungers!!! She has never worked in her life, and gets paid to be his "carer",and he is apparently on disability allowance because he is not well enough to work, yet can still drive all over the country playing wheelchair badminton mind you!

They have recently been advised (by some lentil-munching socialist public sector worker no doubt) that as they have too much money in savings, unless they can spend £1500 and provide a receipt for the spend, they will lose some of their benefits. As they have already had a foreign holiday this year, they have decided upon a new kitchen. Gah!!!! This makes me sad and mad!!

**MaryPoppins** · 4 October 2010, 07:23

Originally posted by shaunbhoy View Post

Looks like I will be hit by this.

My eldest son's fiancee's family are a bunch of chavy benefit-scroungers!!! She has never worked in her life, and gets paid to be his "carer",and he is apparently on disability allowance because he is not well enough to work, yet can still drive all over the country playing wheelchair badminton mind you!

They have recently been advised (by some lentil-munching socialist public sector worker no doubt) that as they have too much money in savings, unless they can spend £1500 and provide a receipt for the spend, they will lose some of their benefits. As they have already had a foreign holiday this year, they have decided upon a new kitchen. Gah!!!! This makes me sad and mad!!

He and she being your daughter in laws parents?

**MrMark** · 4 October 2010, 07:25

What is a higher-rate taxpayer anyway? Someone on 44k? A good salary in Middlesbrough no doubt, but not so generous in the south-east. If I had kids I'd be a bit miffed, considering how much tax and national insurance the government takes from my earnings.

**shaunbhoy** · 4 October 2010, 07:29

Originally posted by MaryPoppins View Post

He and she being your daughter in laws parents?

Almost. He is her dad, and the woman is her stepmum. Pair of workshy tosspots that finance their lifestyle by slowly siphoning off the granny's cash, which he has power of attorney over. They could singlehandedly form the basis for an entire series of Jeremy Kyle.

**mudskipper** · 4 October 2010, 07:29

I think in principle it's a sound idea. I'm sure there's many people who get child benefit who don't need it. However, £44,000 isn't a lot for a family to live on - if one partner is working, and one looking after the kids. Surely it should be (like tax credits) on household income.

**MrMark** · 4 October 2010, 07:31

Originally posted by k2p2 View Post

I think in principle it's a sound idea. I'm sure there's many people who get child benefit who don't need it. However, £44,000 isn't a lot for a family to live on - if one partner is working, and one looking after the kids. Surely it should be (like tax credits) on household income.

I'm not sure we could cope with another Tax Credits-like system.

Child benefit scrapped for high earners