The Budget

[Leon103]

Sorry Rod that is way too much of a sweeping statement for me to let it go.

My Dad did a 40 hour week he earned enough to pay the bills and bring up three kids, my Mam was a full time housewife (as called back then) my dad went out every Friday night he played in the local Darts league and on Saturday they went out together paying a sitter to look after us, life was so much simpler back then, no video, set top boxes, computers, laptops, mobile phones and must have kitchen gadgets etc, they didn't live beyond their means back then unlike today where most stuff is bought on credit so their outgoings were small we were not well off but we were happy.

I will help.
Here are some potential strategies that could be considered to address this issue:

Spending Cuts: Reducing government expenditure in certain areas could help. This might include scaling back on non-essential projects or finding efficiencies in public services. However, this approach can be controversial and may impact public services and welfare.

Tax Increases: Raising taxes can generate additional revenue. This could involve increasing income tax rates, corporate taxes, or introducing new taxes. The challenge here is balancing the need for revenue with the potential negative impact on economic growth and public sentiment.

Economic Growth: Stimulating economic growth can increase tax revenues without raising rates. This might involve investing in infrastructure, supporting innovation, and creating a favorable business environment to attract investment and create jobs.

Public Sector Reforms: Implementing reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector spending. This could include digitizing services, reducing bureaucracy, and improving procurement processes.

Debt Management: Managing the national debt more effectively, possibly through refinancing or restructuring existing debt, can reduce interest payments and free up resources for other uses.

Targeted Social Programs: Ensuring that social programs are well-targeted and efficient can help reduce unnecessary spending. For example, means-testing certain benefits to ensure they go to those most in need.

Combating Tax Evasion and Avoidance: Strengthening measures to combat tax evasion and avoidance can increase revenues without raising tax rates. This might involve closing loopholes and increasing enforcement.

Each of these strategies has its own set of challenges and implications, and often a combination of approaches is necessary to effectively address such a complex issue.

 

[Leon103]

Would you do it? All those benefits must make it worth your while.

Would I do what?

 

[Larse]

Would I do what?

Go on benefits. You seem mighty impressed with it as a lifestyle.

 

[Leon103]

Go on benefits. You seem mighty impressed with it as a lifestyle.

Far from it. People given too much with no incentive to get out and work.

And to answer your question, no, I can't go on benefits, I am not eligible

 

[Larse]

Far from it. People given too much with no incentive to get out and work.

And to answer your question, no, I can't go on benefits, I am not eligible

Aww, that's a pity. Must rankle.

 

[Leon103]

Aww, that's a pity. Must rankle.

I will get by. I guess I will just put my private plane travel through the expenses

 

[chopps]

So I've done some maths. Assuming the same level of beer sales at the tap room as normal, we'd need to increase the price of a pint by 6p to cover the increased employer costs. And the chancellor has given us 1p per pint back in duty. So We should increase the price of a pint by 5p in order to stand still. I like round numbers so I'll swallow the cost and we'll keep cask at £4 and keg at £5, and continue to offer crisps for free. The way this 1p/pint has been positioned in the press is complete balls. Don't expect cheaper beer in the pubs folks. Won't happen.

 

[Larse]

I will get by. I guess I will just put my private plane travel through the expenses

So you didn't really think living on benefits was actually that good after all. Who knew?

 

[Leon103]

So you didn't really think living on benefits was actually that good after all. Who knew?

I can't so haven't really thought about it. What I was getting at was benefits isn't below the poverty line and they are many extras they get on top of the PIP payments.

 

[Larse]

I can't so haven't really thought about it. What I was getting at was benefits isn't below the poverty line and they are many extras they get on top of the PIP payments.

I'd like to see your workings

 

[Leon103]

So I've done some maths. Assuming the same level of beer sales at the tap room as normal, we'd need to increase the price of a pint by 6p to cover the increased employer costs. And the chancellor has given us 1p per pint back in duty. So We should increase the price of a pint by 5p in order to stand still. I like round numbers so I'll swallow the cost and we'll keep cask at £4 and keg at £5, and continue to offer crisps for free. The way this 1p/pint has been positioned in the press is complete balls. Don't expect cheaper beer in the pubs folks. Won't happen.

Of course it won't. Many think it will be a lot more with extra business rates etc.

 

[Agentgonzo]

Don't expect cheaper beer in the pubs folks. Won't happen.

Don't worry. I've been around the block. I don't expect cheaper anything anywhere anymore

 

[Leon103]

I'd like to see your workings

Outside of greater London you get £423.46 a week or £1,835 month max. This is single mum
On top of that there are other benefits as listed earlier.

Not sure what is poverty line but let's say minimum wage and that single mum was warning £11.44 an hour, 40 week is around £457. Depending on other factors I would say she would be taking home £382 after tax and NI. Now factor in travel to and from work, childcare etc.

*some rough workings as requested. Now time for a beer and to mute.

 

[Bitter_Dave]

Job seekers allowance for someone over 25 is £4.7k a year and £3.7k if you're under 25. Ok, I appreciate there may be other benefits, but if that disincentives work that says more about how reliant we've become on low paid work than the luxurious life we can lead on benefits.

 

[Jahfish]

I will help.
Here are some potential strategies that could be considered to address this issue:

Spending Cuts: Reducing government expenditure in certain areas could help. This might include scaling back on non-essential projects or finding efficiencies in public services. However, this approach can be controversial and may impact public services and welfare.

Tax Increases: Raising taxes can generate additional revenue. This could involve increasing income tax rates, corporate taxes, or introducing new taxes. The challenge here is balancing the need for revenue with the potential negative impact on economic growth and public sentiment.

Economic Growth: Stimulating economic growth can increase tax revenues without raising rates. This might involve investing in infrastructure, supporting innovation, and creating a favorable business environment to attract investment and create jobs.

Public Sector Reforms: Implementing reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector spending. This could include digitizing services, reducing bureaucracy, and improving procurement processes.

Debt Management: Managing the national debt more effectively, possibly through refinancing or restructuring existing debt, can reduce interest payments and free up resources for other uses.

Targeted Social Programs: Ensuring that social programs are well-targeted and efficient can help reduce unnecessary spending. For example, means-testing certain benefits to ensure they go to those most in need.

Combating Tax Evasion and Avoidance: Strengthening measures to combat tax evasion and avoidance can increase revenues without raising tax rates. This might involve closing loopholes and increasing enforcement.

Each of these strategies has its own set of challenges and implications, and often a combination of approaches is necessary to effectively address such a complex issue.

The tories tried these. That's why we're here now

 

[Bitter_Dave]

Outside of greater London you get £423.46 a week or £1,835 month max.

Ok, break this down for me - what are you including in this?

 

[Larse]

Ok, break this down for me - what are you including in this?

I'd like that answer too. Searched and I'm getting closer to that figure for a month rather than a week on Universal Credit.

And the poverty line was measured at £200 a week back in 2008 I think. Has to be a good deal higher now. 21% of the population was considered below the poverty line in 2023 (Wikipedia).

 

[Leon103]

Ok, break this down for me - what are you including in this?

Maximum benefit

 

[Larse]

Maximum benefit

Linky please

 

[Leon103]

I'd like that answer too. Searched and I'm getting closer to that figure for a month rather than a week on Universal Credit.

And the poverty line was measured at £200 a week back in 2008 I think. Has to be a good deal higher now. 21% of the population was considered below the poverty line in 2023 (Wikipedia).

Types of Benefits Included:
Universal Credit: This includes housing costs, child benefit, and other elements.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): Both income-based and contribution-based.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Income-related.

Income Support: For those on a low income.

Housing Benefit: Helps with rent.

Child Benefit: For those responsible for children under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training).

Child Tax Credit: For those responsible for children.

Carer’s Allowance: For those who care for someone with substantial caring needs.

Guardian’s Allowance: For those who look after a child whose parents have died.

Maternity Allowance: For those who do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay.
Exemptions:

Some people are exempt from the Benefit Cap, including those who receive:

Working Tax Credit.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Attendance Allowance.
Support component of ESA.
Industrial Injuries Benefits.
War Widow’s or War Widower’s Pension.
Example Breakdown:
If you are a single parent living outside Greater London, your benefits might include:

Universal Credit: £300 per week.
Child Benefit: £34.40 per week for two children.
Housing Benefit: £89.06 per week.
Total: £423.46 per week