Interesting documentary so far

[original PM]

yeah maybe if the pensioners had had to work when the could they maybe would not be so reliant on state pensions..


probably

[MicrosoftBob]

They make up half the benefits bill though....

No government is going to be stupid enough to takle pensioners straight on, they'll just carry on with their current policy of providing inadequate NHS care for the elderly hoping the grim reaper does his bit for deficit reduction

[vetran]

They make up half the benefits bill though....

that is a political decision to include pensions in the benefits bill, the pension payments could be excluded in benefit discussion if needed.

It's like saying I took the wife out for dinner last night and it cost me £1000. Admittedly £800 was for the dress she was wearing. I wish the restaurant wasn't so expensive! It doesn't make sense they are separate transactions.

[doodab]

that is a political decision to include pensions in the benefits bill, the pension payments could be excluded in benefit discussion if needed.

It has to be included because otherwise the benefits bill is only around half the deficit and the government will be forced to admit that it has to either raise taxes or make deep cuts to healthcare and education to get things under control.

This site does actually lump state & public sector pensions together and separate out welfare (which includes things like tax credits etc that are under HMRC rather than DWP control)

http://www.ukpublicspending.co.uk/

[The Spartan]

Especially in parts of Wales. And then moan that the romanians are coming over here and taking all the jobs.

Reality is the locals are too lazy and got it sorted on benefits to get off their arses and do crappy jobs. Really winds me up.

You're Welsh though aren't you?

[mudskipper]

We are talking here about people who have no intention EVER of working at all.

No we're not. We're talking about anyone who needs benefits to survive, whether that is short or long term. Some of those will have no intention of working, some are unemployable, others have had jobs and would love to have jobs again.

Did you even see the programme, or are you spouting from a position of indignant ignorance?

There was a couple with kids - he'd become ill and she'd been made redundant. Their payments were cut because of a cock-up and took over three months to resume. They could not afford to feed themselves.

[The Spartan]

This site does actually lump state & public sector pensions together and separate out welfare (which includes things like tax credits etc that are under HMRC rather than DWP control)

UK Central Government and Local Authority Public Spending 2014 - Pie Charts Tables

Out of which what proportion of that is attributed to Public Sector Pensions?

[original PM]

No we're not. We're talking about anyone who needs benefits to survive, whether that is short or long term. Some of those will have no intention of working, some are unemployable, others have had jobs and would love to have jobs again.

Did you even see the programme, or are you spouting from a position of indignant ignorance?

There was a couple with kids - he'd become ill and she'd been made redundant. Their payments were cut because of a cock-up and took over three months to resume. They could not afford to feed themselves.

What are you doing?

these are facts

we want vile baseless comments!

[socialworker]

Which is fair. What you need to live is shelter, warmth and food.

What you dont need is booze, fags, tattos which is what benefits gets spent on.

So pay for peoples accomodation, bills, and give them food stamps but zero cash.

Shoes? Fares? Basic toiletries? Pet food? Or get rid of the kids' pet cat the minute dad loses his job? A haircut to go to a job interview?

If a fraction of the stories of unfair sanctions is true it' s a disgrace.

[vetran]

No we're not. We're talking about anyone who needs benefits to survive, whether that is short or long term. Some of those will have no intention of working, some are unemployable, others have had jobs and would love to have jobs again.

Did you even see the programme, or are you spouting from a position of indignant ignorance?

There was a couple with kids - he'd become ill and she'd been made redundant. Their payments were cut because of a cock-up and took over three months to resume. They could not afford to feed themselves.

agree I think a smallish percentage have become long term unemployed and comfortable. I suspect there are many who are working illegally and claiming benefits. These need to be targeted by making it uncomfortable to stay on benefits. Many of those on the programme who were long term unemployed had more serious issues that needed fixing - addiction / illness.

The people who are actively looking need more support and less punishment by officious idiots in the benefit office.