Not sure what the Big Society is but when plans were written I understand Benson and Hedges were involved.
The Big Society Page 11
Quote: Frankie Rage @ July 20 2010, 10:57 PM BSTNice try, Soot ...but no cigar!
Instead take the pressure off the Government (taxpayer) by reducing ALL benefits immediately by 25%. Easy to manage. Put the pressure where it belongs - on the claimants. If they feel hard done by then they can appeal. THEN they will be Means Tested and their benefits increased (or decreased further..) depending on the outcome. QED.
If people want services for free and money for no work then they need to start to realise that it is NOT theirs by right and is NOT going to be automatically granted.
It's been madness, it's been abused, it's got to start being sensible again.
That is a sweeping statement that cannot be applicable to all claimants - it would leave some in desperate situations. I think if some of your suggestions and some of Soots were put together and modified, that would be a better option.
I would suggest ONE means test for ALL benefits, stored on a central computer and accessible to all departments responsible for awarding benefits. A simpler, follow up review every 6 months or yearly would keep the information up to date. An overhaul of the system would ultimately save a lot of money by cutting uneccessary admin and amalgamating the 'pots' of money designated for particular benefits would make the system more efficient. The means test needs to be redesigned so that it is more realistic.
Not everyone wants to be on benefits or assumes they should automatically be entitled, not every claimant is unwilling to work and some have more than paid their dues in the past. None of us can predict what situation we might find ourselves in and anyone could be in need of benefit at some time in their lives.
YES!
Labour gain !
http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/council/elections/by/290710/results.htm
What a kick in the bollocks for the egregious Clegg ! 52 votes (yes, I know the turnout was low but it traditionally is in local by elections)
30/30 now on the Council with the LD Mayor having the casting vote. Labour Mayor next May !
Watching Five Days That Changed Britain on BBC Two earlier, it struck me just how lucky we are to be rid of Labour from Downing Street. Hopefully for a very long time.
Deserved
Quote: Charley @ July 29 2010, 11:59 PM BST
Deserved
What is? The result or what 'e said?
Quote: Oldrocker @ July 30 2010, 12:01 AM BSTWhat is? The result or what 'e said?
Put it this way I don't like Cleg he is a twat. But I am no fan of Labour
I also don't really know what I am talking about as I am a little pissssshed. So ignore me.
Quote: Charley @ July 30 2010, 12:24 AM BSTPut it this way I don't like Cleg he is a twat. But I am no fan of Labour
I also don't really know what I am talking about as I am a little pissssshed. So ignore me.
I've been meaning to ask, as someone who has no knowledge of models, film stars etc, is that you in your avatar?
Quote: Loopey @ July 26 2010, 12:41 PM BSTThat is a sweeping statement that cannot be applicable to all claimants - it would leave some in desperate situations. I think if some of your suggestions and some of Soots were put together and modified, that would be a better option.
I would suggest ONE means test for ALL benefits, stored on a central computer and accessible to all departments responsible for awarding benefits. A simpler, follow up review every 6 months or yearly would keep the information up to date. An overhaul of the system would ultimately save a lot of money by cutting uneccessary admin and amalgamating the 'pots' of money designated for particular benefits would make the system more efficient. The means test needs to be redesigned so that it is more realistic.
Not everyone wants to be on benefits or assumes they should automatically be entitled, not every claimant is unwilling to work and some have more than paid their dues in the past. None of us can predict what situation we might find ourselves in and anyone could be in need of benefit at some time in their lives.
You are right it would be better. I was just taking an extreme standpoint and one that is unlikely any government in this country would actually adopt.
If only people who are not genuine could be identified and their benefits stopped then we could either save the money or let those who have a real need have more, as suggested by Charley, I recall.
I wouldn't want to increase the hardship of any genuine claimants but I don't personally have much faith in any government in this country being able to means test effectively. I suspect that they'd just spend a lot of money on it and nothing much would change.
Ahhhhhh! Yes indeed it is. You can check on facebook. Gorgeous eh 
I am old though. In my late 30s 
. I am a grandma too. Well she knows me as Nonny.
Quote: Charley @ July 30 2010, 12:45 AM BSTAhhhhhh! Yes indeed it is.
You have something of a young Susan George about you.
Quote: Charley @ July 30 2010, 12:45 AM BSTAhhhhhh! Yes indeed it is. You can check on facebook. Gorgeous eh
When your husband wants you to stop, he shouts "hey nonny, nonny no!"
Right back at ya love cheeks.
I am in the middle of some "goings on"!!!
Quote: Frankie Rage @ July 30 2010, 12:51 AM BSTI am in the middle of some "goings on"!!!
woooooo! A spit roast!
Quote: Frankie Rage @ July 30 2010, 12:50 AM BSTWhen your husband wants you to stop, he shouts "hey nonny, nonny no!"