Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Sep 11th 2007 | 12:17 pm
#151
Sawdust making harpy
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,291
From: Alberta
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Yes I remember also the day I was told they had a house for me, mine too was in the worst part of the worst area but you know what I was like a child on xmas day - it was mine and no-one could take it away! And ladies if we can survive that - the immigration process is a breeze 
Sep 11th 2007 | 12:24 pm
#152
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 40,070
From: Ontario
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Good grief, no I haven't. I recalled your having mentioned the child before, just as Calgal has mentioned the trouble with her windows and Souvenir the trouble with his chair rail. It's not a big deal to me whether or not you have any children, disabled or not, just a matter of mild interest. Since you seem to have some sort of a problem about this child enjoy the chip on your shoulder; unless you're prepared to talk about him or her there seems little point in your banging on about his or her semi-secret existence.
Sep 11th 2007 | 2:14 pm
#153
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
I stayed off this thread, but the recent posts really struck a chord with me.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
Sep 11th 2007 | 4:25 pm
#154
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,106
From: Beautiful BC
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
I stayed off this thread, but the recent posts really struck a chord with me.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
Of course there is always abuse of any benefit system, but on the whole those who receive the help are deserving of it.
Sep 11th 2007 | 8:11 pm
#155
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 233
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
I stayed off this thread, but the recent posts really struck a chord with me.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
Sounds like you had a rough time! - and when people are in need, I am pleased that they can be helped in anyway they need it.
It seems like you are an honest person, that gets on with life - and unfortunately sometimes this goes against you, with the benefit system.
My Aunt played around behind her Husband's back - then when they split up neither of them wanted their 13 year old son, so my parents took him in (with no help financially - his mum still got child allowance, and spent it) His mum was given a 3 bedroom house to try and encourage her to have her son back, but she was quite happy not working, getting the council tax paid, help with utility bills ect.... she even got all appliances put in the house too!
She ended up getting back with her Husband, who then moved into the council house after he had sold the family home - they are both still not working after about 3 years (and both had good jobs before), the money from the house has bought them a £20,000 caravan and a £25,000 car - they eat out most of the time, and drink and smoke like there's no tomorrow.
Also their two other children, and their partners(in their twenties) have done the same kind of thing - now not working, and still have new car ect... and go out drinking each weekend.
It is people like this that make me angry - the money they get each week is stupid, it should go to people that genuinely need it.
Sep 11th 2007 | 10:16 pm
#156
Thread Starter
mclauchlan35
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 999
From: Was Prestwick Ayrshire, now Canmore AB.
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
I stayed off this thread, but the recent posts really struck a chord with me.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
When I was leaving a violent, abusive relationship, I spent almost two years homeless (shelter, other people's spare rooms etc) with two kids before the council could provide me with a council house.
So, with raising two kids, escaping domestic violence, going through numerous Court battles and 'system battles', social service investigations (after my ex maliciously accused me of child abuse),studying to try and better myself,going to counselling to deal with PSTD and regaining my sanity, I had no choice but to claim benefits. Holding down a job at that time was not possible-how I even made it through without completely losing my mind I still marvel at.
When I finally got my council house I too was so proud and happy just to have a place to call home. My new home was actually a recent crack house. Despite the disgusting state that it was in, I got no decoration allowance because there were the remenents of crack-smoke stained wallpaper on the walls. So I had to just put up with the decor after spending hours cleaning the yellow brown residue off the walls and ceiling with a wallpaper scraper!There were used condoms in the downstairs toliet and at least a foot of rubbish in the back garden. There were stolen computers from a bank in the loft that I had to get the police to come and collect! It was degrading to be expected to move my children in there. But I was humble and thankful for what I saw as help in my situation and I made it the cleanest dive going!!We had no curtains and no carpets and only bits and peices of furniture that I had literally collected from someone's garbage pile in the neighbourhood.
My son has Arthritis and I had to fight the system for a 100 pound crisis loan for a bed for him, because they said the need for a bed was not a crisis.....budgeting loans (for clothes, furniture etc) could only be applied for after 6 months of a different kind of benefits. Begging for money for a bed for a disabled child was not fun!
The complication in my case was that I only got benefits for a single person-the system didn't class me as having kids because of the way my ex had screwed me over and manipulated the child benefit (having it put in his name and fighting my attempts to have it in my name). So, no child benefit meant no child tax credit, no housing benefit for a 3 bed house (only a single person allowance), no school meals for my kids etc etc. Oh, and to top it all off...the CSA came after me to pay him child support!!!!!! They were docking that from my benefits.
I could go on and on about my situation back then, but I definately was no scrounger. I was truly in need and would have gladly accepted any hand-out I could have found. We needed it.
Not all people on benefits are the stereotype. There are many hardworking people who are on low incomes who need that top-up. I just can't stand it when people look down on others.
I worked hard to drag myself out of that situation and better myself. But I would never stand in judgement of others. It is not my place to do so.
This person uses hers for new cars and holidays new mobile's etc never needed a council house and was able to buy a new house straight away, and the amount paid to her was probably more than you ever got.
Thru hard work guts and courage you have built yourself a new life and should be admired for it.
Sep 12th 2007 | 4:02 am
#157
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,630
From: Red Deer, Alberta
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Cancov - I could not believe some of the ladies in the womens refuge I was in, some of them had the gall to turn down houses - weren't good enough and others were in there (and openly admitted it to anyone but the staff) to recieve newer houses and more benefits. Unfortunate as I was to have had to go to a refuge I was also lucky to have been given a room in one where the average person was given a house in 3 months - saying that one or two of the ladies were waiting for houses in high demand areas so had to wait longer.
As for the struggles you have overcome - mine don't come anywhere close, but I do still have many emotional issues that will probably stay with me for life. I am never ashamed to admit I have been in a refuge - I came through and am proud I did.
Mandymoochops - I was also lucky in the fact that the previous occupants of my council house was a young family. They were fined by the council for leaving carpets behind in the 2 bedrooms, stairway and laminate in the kitchen - I also managed to pick my keys up a couple of days before the workmen had finished so I could clean it up a bit - they didn't have a chance to remove the carpets, so it was only one room I had uncarpeted, I had a broken but usable sofa and some other furniture donated by the refuge too, so I was really lucky.
Hey! AND now I have a wonderful caring husband and live in wonderful country with a really happy child.....LIFES GOOD!
I still panick about money - so I leave a lot of that to my hubby, he is very careful with money too but not stingy or anything. I still worry that someone will take it all away again.
Sorry for waffling on so much
As for the struggles you have overcome - mine don't come anywhere close, but I do still have many emotional issues that will probably stay with me for life. I am never ashamed to admit I have been in a refuge - I came through and am proud I did.
Mandymoochops - I was also lucky in the fact that the previous occupants of my council house was a young family. They were fined by the council for leaving carpets behind in the 2 bedrooms, stairway and laminate in the kitchen - I also managed to pick my keys up a couple of days before the workmen had finished so I could clean it up a bit - they didn't have a chance to remove the carpets, so it was only one room I had uncarpeted, I had a broken but usable sofa and some other furniture donated by the refuge too, so I was really lucky.
Hey! AND now I have a wonderful caring husband and live in wonderful country with a really happy child.....LIFES GOOD!
I still panick about money - so I leave a lot of that to my hubby, he is very careful with money too but not stingy or anything. I still worry that someone will take it all away again.
Sorry for waffling on so much
Sep 12th 2007 | 4:12 am
#158
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,020
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
I do think it's funny how when a single mother gets a few extra quid out of the system then it's benefit fraud, but when a wealthy corporate director cheats the exchequer of hundreds of thousands of pounds it's called accountancy.
I posted earlier about Phillip Green robbing the taxpayer of £300 million and no-one raised an eyebrow.
I posted earlier about Phillip Green robbing the taxpayer of £300 million and no-one raised an eyebrow.
Sep 12th 2007 | 4:16 am
#159
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,234
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
I do think it's funny how when a single mother gets a few extra quid out of the system then it's benefit fraud, but when a wealthy corporate director cheats the exchequer of hundreds of thousands of pounds it's called accountancy.
I posted earlier about Phillip Green robbing the taxpayer of £300 million and no-one raised an eyebrow.
I posted earlier about Phillip Green robbing the taxpayer of £300 million and no-one raised an eyebrow.
I'm still waiting for those who think taking benefits is scrounging to admit whether or not they pocket their child allowance
Last edited by daft batty; Sep 12th 2007 at 4:18 am.
Sep 12th 2007 | 4:18 am
#160
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,020
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Tax avoidance
Despite being a prominent figure in UK retail and business, Philip Green has chosen to avoid paying tax in the UK. It is estimated that he and his family saved £300m in 2004-2005 by living partly in Monaco, where residents do not have to pay income tax.[9] Whilst some may see this as the prerogative of a successful and wealthy businessman, others have questioned the morals behind this decision saying it is motivated by greed and is a mean-spirited display of making money from the people of Britain whilst refusing to contribute. It has even been suggested that British Home Stores should be forced to drop the 'British' from their name.
An article in The Observer questioned the amount of the dividend the Greens paid themselves and the accumulated profits available for distribution.[10] Company law in the UK says that dividends can only be paid out of accumulated realised profits. According to the article, the Greens paid themselves a dividend of £1.14 billion (total dividends were £1,299 million), when the profit & loss statement showed a positive balance of £476 million.
Despite being a prominent figure in UK retail and business, Philip Green has chosen to avoid paying tax in the UK. It is estimated that he and his family saved £300m in 2004-2005 by living partly in Monaco, where residents do not have to pay income tax.[9] Whilst some may see this as the prerogative of a successful and wealthy businessman, others have questioned the morals behind this decision saying it is motivated by greed and is a mean-spirited display of making money from the people of Britain whilst refusing to contribute. It has even been suggested that British Home Stores should be forced to drop the 'British' from their name.
An article in The Observer questioned the amount of the dividend the Greens paid themselves and the accumulated profits available for distribution.[10] Company law in the UK says that dividends can only be paid out of accumulated realised profits. According to the article, the Greens paid themselves a dividend of £1.14 billion (total dividends were £1,299 million), when the profit & loss statement showed a positive balance of £476 million.
Some righteous indignation now, please?
Sep 12th 2007 | 4:21 am
#161
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,234
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Sep 12th 2007 | 4:42 am
#162
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 40,070
From: Ontario
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Canada's tax system is regressive in the same way as the UK's. Once you have serious income you can use mechanisms to reduce your tax burden below that of people earning much less than you are. Tax cheats, like dole scroungers, can't be escaped by moving here.
Sep 12th 2007 | 8:21 am
#163
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,192
From: The Republic of Bacon
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Hands up! I took child allowance. We paid into the system and took what we were "entitled" to. Whether or not that entitlement is just, is another discussion.
I think those who are referred to in this thread as living on benefits and hand outs simply because they can, and can't be arsed to get OFF their arse and work or contribute in some way are scroungers, yes! (I'm ashamed to say there are a few in my own family!! They too, know how to 'work' the system and there is no genuine reason for any of them not be working. Their children are learning from their parents and also not working - it makes me SO angry).
Was I a scrounger for taking my child allowance - in my opinion, no. We have worked and paid all the relevant taxes/NI etc. We paid our dues and took what the system offered. The 'scroungers' are doing the same - fair play! It's the system that's at fault for making it possible!! Unfortunately the users of that sytem become the target, regardless of their personal situation. Piff Poff and Cov are definitely NOT in the same category. They are examples of how the system should be used - to help out those in serious distress.
The difference is, most of us have self respect and values which make us responsible citizens that contribute to society by working and paying our taxes. I think the complaints here are about the people that take, without ever seeming to put anything back. I have a problem with that, too!
< Steps off soapbox, kicks it back under chair and goes to pour another cuppa - Tetley, of course!
>
Last edited by Calgal; Sep 12th 2007 at 8:24 am. Reason: Edit to add: I did spend my allowance on the kids however; I bought nappies with it (two babies means A LOT of nappies)
Sep 12th 2007 | 10:02 am
#164
Scottish Canuck
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,703
From: Auld Scotia > Nova Scotia > Calgary
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
Well said, Calgal 
Sep 12th 2007 | 10:07 am
#165
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,234
Re: Benefits in the UK for single Mums
To me its unnecessary for her to take those benefits. Obviously in this case i know what she does need to do for her child. The only saving grace for her is that this money is going into a separate account for that child to use for luxuries! like school holidays etc that my sister can not afford. Now to me that money is given for day to day help with looking after that child???
If its warranted in day to day help that you are unable to give your child then perhaps you need to take the benefit other than that im afraid to many people milk the system out of money. Seen it to many times im afraid, the only people benefiting out of the money is the parents and there luxuries.
If its warranted in day to day help that you are unable to give your child then perhaps you need to take the benefit other than that im afraid to many people milk the system out of money. Seen it to many times im afraid, the only people benefiting out of the money is the parents and there luxuries.
Hands up! I took child allowance. We paid into the system and took what we were "entitled" to. Whether or not that entitlement is just, is another discussion.
Many of the comments have focused on whether the entitlement to bebefits is just. I raised the comparison as it seems hypocritical to complain about others taking handouts. You werent one of those who were complaining and making assumptions about the OPs friends ex and others "like her"
I think those who are referred to in this thread as living on benefits and hand outs simply because they can, and can't be arsed to get OFF their arse and work or contribute in some way are scroungers, yes! (I'm ashamed to say there are a few in my own family!! They too, know how to 'work' the system and there is no genuine reason for any of them not be working. Their children are learning from their parents and also not working - it makes me SO angry).
I am sure there are scroungers out there, in every system. What got my goat wa sthe assupmtions that everyone on benefits is a scrounger
Was I a scrounger for taking my child allowance - in my opinion, no. We have worked and paid all the relevant taxes/NI etc. We paid our dues and took what the system offered. The 'scroungers' are doing the same - fair play! It's the system that's at fault for making it possible!! Unfortunately the users of that sytem become the target, regardless of their personal situation. Exactly Piff Poff and Cov are definitely NOT in the same category. They are examples of how the system should be used - to help out those in serious distress. And hopefully help people before they reach serious distress
The difference is, most of us have self respect and values which make us responsible citizens that contribute to society by working and paying our taxes. I think the complaints here are about the people that take, without ever seeming to put anything back. I have a problem with that, too! I too dont think much to taking without putting in. What I dont like is the way everyone is put into the same category, ie if on benefits, must be a scrounger, chain smoker, drinker, bad mother< Steps off soapbox, kicks it back under chair and goes to pour another cuppa - Tetley, of course! >
Many of the comments have focused on whether the entitlement to bebefits is just. I raised the comparison as it seems hypocritical to complain about others taking handouts. You werent one of those who were complaining and making assumptions about the OPs friends ex and others "like her"
I think those who are referred to in this thread as living on benefits and hand outs simply because they can, and can't be arsed to get OFF their arse and work or contribute in some way are scroungers, yes! (I'm ashamed to say there are a few in my own family!! They too, know how to 'work' the system and there is no genuine reason for any of them not be working. Their children are learning from their parents and also not working - it makes me SO angry).
I am sure there are scroungers out there, in every system. What got my goat wa sthe assupmtions that everyone on benefits is a scrounger
Was I a scrounger for taking my child allowance - in my opinion, no. We have worked and paid all the relevant taxes/NI etc. We paid our dues and took what the system offered. The 'scroungers' are doing the same - fair play! It's the system that's at fault for making it possible!! Unfortunately the users of that sytem become the target, regardless of their personal situation. Exactly Piff Poff and Cov are definitely NOT in the same category. They are examples of how the system should be used - to help out those in serious distress. And hopefully help people before they reach serious distress
The difference is, most of us have self respect and values which make us responsible citizens that contribute to society by working and paying our taxes. I think the complaints here are about the people that take, without ever seeming to put anything back. I have a problem with that, too! I too dont think much to taking without putting in. What I dont like is the way everyone is put into the same category, ie if on benefits, must be a scrounger, chain smoker, drinker, bad mother< Steps off soapbox, kicks it back under chair and goes to pour another cuppa - Tetley, of course!
>