Letter to Simon Heffer Daily Mail.

Hello Mr Heffer,

I have so say that I largely agree with your comments about the BBC, I do like it, but I have to point out that an organisation spending £3.7billion of Taxpayers money, completely on entertainment, not accountable to anyone is a scandal in the 21^st Century.

I suggest that the Government should reform the BBC by privatising it. Save the £3.7billion and spend it on something worthwhile like the NHS.

For people like us, given today’s varied media , the Licence fee is an anachronism without comparison. People should be allowed the free choice to spend their money as they wish on entertainment if that is their choice.

I have mentioned that the BBC are losing sight or their reponsibilities with inappropiate content broadcast before the watershed. Parents should be able to trust the BBC, what does the BBC trust say to that? Again Amanda Platell agrees with me and good old Julie Walters does too.

Many people without earnings choose to spend their income in strange ways, in my opinion. On the one hand the Worlds Fattest man has just died. Where did he get his money to buy all that excessive food that killed him, surely he wasn’t working as was bedridden. We are told people are starving yet these same people will not give up their Sky TV, Broadband, or mobile phones.

Amada Platell reported that a family of four with one wage earner on the Minimum wage gets a total income of £25k! I do not earn that yet my wife and I live on less than that and pay our income tax, NI, Pension, Council Tax and TV Licence. Our Choice. I would love to earn £25k but would need a salary of around £30k before I took that home.

My answer to inflated benefits – TAX IT! It is after all income. We all have our personal tax allowance designed to ensure we can earn a fair amount before paying tax, so why do these people qualify for so much tax free handouts? It just doesn’t makes sense.

Perhaps we should go back to the 1930’s at least then the poor people knew exactly what they needed to do to survive. No handouts for them. They had to make ends meet. It’s about time we ALL understood that in 21^st Century Britain. Labour won’t cure the situation didn’t they get us into it in the first place?

Monty.

Unemployed now will have to wait 5 weeks before benefits!

Unemployed now will have to wait 5 weeks before benefits! Now I said I agreed with Amanda Platell that it was ridiculous that a family of four with one earner could get £25k in wages plus benefits if they were on minimum wages.

Now I don't earn that GROSS for my wife and myself.

Our choice.

Where is the promised Married Person's allowance?

Now if I lose my job after 40years of paying taxes and National Insurance - I EXPECT the Insurance bit to kick in - haven't I earned it?

I agree Benefits should not be an open cheque but a safety net. But what about fairness?

TAX BENEFITS

Claudia back on Strictly - fast forward her bits

Usually we record Strictly to be sure we don't miss it. this has the advantage that I can fast-forward thought the Claudia bits.

That woman makes me cringe.

Why does Amanda Platell think she's good? I want to Vote Claudia Off. Zoe and Tess for me. 

Claudia embarrasses herself with her inane antics. Does she thinks she's a Bobby Ball to Tess' Canon?

Either its the BBC humiliating her or if not then I'm right and we can do with out her - its spoiling the show.

But why is it only me that sees this?

Only thing about Tess is that she seems to be talking over the Judges lately. Oh, and I don't really like the additional dancers either, we want to see the Celebrities dance!

Also AP says about Obese people paying for their treatment. Similar to smoking it IS self induced.

EAT LESS! Simple.

I don't understand how these FAT people that are that fat that they can't move about continue to overeat? Surely someone is Feeding them? If you can't move much/at all  how do you shop/cook etc.

Ship them off to Sierra Leone or somewhere  where food is a Luxury. They would be seen as freaks and embarrassed to explain why they are so fat when these folk struggle on a starvation diet.

Its just not right is it?

Why should people get £25k disposable income for nothing? I'd love to have take home pay of £25k to support my wife and I. I'd have to earn over 35k to get that though. Its simple to me - why have Politicians not thought of it - TAX benefits as INCOME just like the rest of us?

That is a level playing field. Why get something for nothing. No argument that "its not worth working I'd be worse off".

 

Living Wage increase good

I think they should increase the Living Wage, but will people get it?

When folk on benefits can get over £25000 it doesn't seen fair.

To me simple answer  - TAX ALL BENEFITS

This way we're all equal. Those on low wages get benefits and pay tax why not those just on benefits? Only exception should be those benefits that are for disability. then when they go back to work they can't claim that "its not worth it" - after deductions they're worse off.

I'd also ensure that unused Tax allowances can be rolled up say over three years so that when they do go back to work they can pay less tax if they're on low wages. Some Tax allowances are rolled up over several years like Capital gains tax on properties so why not personal allowances?

Only thing is David sCameron - where is the promised Married Person's allowance?

Tories Freeze Benefits

SO Mr Os born conspiracy, want to squeeze more out of the poorest to cut the deficit - he should be ashamed.

It was the fat Bankers that caused the problems let them pay. We've baled out the banks - I mean you and me to the tune of £1500 per man, woman and child. Can I have my money back now please, George. At the same time he gives money back to the rich, by cutting the top rate of tax.

Surely the fairest way is to put 1p on income tax and then everyone WORKING pays their fair share until we have recovered.

I do agree that Benefits should have a cap - its not a blank cheque and we can't afford it, but not the poorest to suffer. Also limit their rise to 1% that 's what I've just got after 5 years of no rise. Give the Midwives 1% too.

Again why is VAT at 5% charged on Gas and electricity bills? The poorest (on benefits/pensions) have to pay it or do without Mssrs Cameron and Osborne don't worry about their bills 'cos they're rich. The poorest pay the most relative to their income. If you're going to freeze them (literally) then why not take VAT off the first £1000 of bill?

Lastly yes - if everyone could work and not claim benefits then there wouldn't need to be a freeze on benefits. SO get everyone working Mr Osborne. Hitting them when they're down won't work.

BBC free licence?

More and more people are realising that a) you can watch TV without a TV and b) then you don't need a TV licence.
Too right. its about time it was free for all. Why should the BBC exist paid for out of a house tax? Sky, ITV are commercial. The BBC should be privatised. Why should people in the 21st Century have Entertainment on Benefits? Entertainment is NOT a social service or necessity HMG. £32 billion pounds could be used to help the NHS?
Yes - provide some public service broadcasting but that can be out of general taxations.

Salute to D Day veterans

I salute all the D Day soldiers, sailors and airmen who risked all for their country and our futures.

It saddens me though to think that the world in which we live today has some crazy values but they fought for the right to have these crazy values?

Amanda Platell in the Daily Mail sums it up, do we respect our old people, no we put them in homes out of sight out of mind. Where is our respect for age and wisdom?

In the 40's/50's people were grateful for what they had, now they expect everything on a plate even thought they've done nothing to justify it. Its your Human Right to it eh?

Austerity - How low can we go

Government is saving money by cutting - cutting benefits, cutting cash to Local Government, cutting Taxes! Oh yes that makes the Rich Richer!

How low can we go - do you need/want your local council services?

My council is considering cutting cleaners.

Taking all waste bins out of offices and putting them in corridors, staff will have to walk out to the corridor to put their banana skins/tea bags whatever in the bin. They'll need less cleaners, less bins to empty and it will be quicker and easier.

Saving money on cleaners. But aren't they the lowest paid? What about waste at the top? Chief officers etc.

This is a rich country but how low can we go to save money so the rich can get richer. Bankers still get their bonuses and who bailed them out a few years ago?

Childcare Fees - pay for your own.

Why should we pay for other folks kids in childcare? My children didn't get subsidies and we made the concious decision that one of us would stay at home to care for them until they went to school.
What I think is fairest is that childcare fees should either be Tax deductible upto your personal allowance or the personal allowance should be fully transferable between Married Couples. Thus the no working partner doesn't lose their tax free allowance - the other partner gains the "lost" Tax. That is what bugs me - use it or lose it hence why people want to work. NOT working means effectively there is a job for someone else and the children get the best care at home.
DO these people NOT want their children Why have them if they want to work and put them in  care. They then hardly see them. Pick them up feed them and put them to bed. They see more of the carers than their parents.

Its also fair in the sense those who earn more still pay more Tax proportionately.

Abu Qatada Gone

So Abu Qatada is GONE.

Thank you Mrs May

What about his family? They're sponged off the state for years are we STILL paying?

Please tell me that they'll be joining him.

We should gladly buy their tickets.

Bedroom Tax? I don't get it.

So surprise surprise the "Bedroom Tax" is driving people to small houses and big ones are remaining empty.

Where are all these families that need big houses? It doesn't seem to affect the likes of Mrs Abu Quatada does it. Still living in her mansion in London at the Taxpayers expense? Move her up North - plenty of big houses here and they're much cheaper.

SO how does it work, is it like the Window Tax? That didn't last did it. 
Why don't people share big houses? I shared a house for 3 years when I was a Student. Ever watched Friends? Don't they share? 

But seriously isn't it a Human Right to have a spare bedroom? Surely that should be the limit 
occupants+1 spare room should be paid for by law.

I agree we can't go on funding endless folk living in bigger and bigger houses on benefits. Any way who said that everyone has a Human right to their own house, even if they have no money or job?

Comments please.

The Grey Vote deserts Cameron

This is what I want to see. Surely the over 55's have had enough. They make us work till we die, raid our savings and take away our Pensions and benefits - does Cameron seriously think he'll get our vote next time?

He needs our money but he could have it if he asked nicely. Pay some serious interest rates and protect pensions (pension funds - they have billions) and then he can borrow our money to get out of the mess.
Not slash interest rates yet again.

Benefits Cap? too right

Its this "something for nothing" society we are breeding that gets me. What right have people to think that they can "claim" everything in their benefits?

Right, we are a rich society and I believe we must look after the unfortunate, vulnerable and disadvantaged/disabled in our society. This does NOT give everyone the right to have their whole living allowances paid by the benefits system, there has to be a limit.

Mr Miliband is wrong when he says that Benefits must take into account where you live. Yes it is more expensive to live in the South than the North but generally wages are higher in the South. Does that mean benefits must be hoigher in the Southh than the North - well upto a point.

If I chose to move down south I would choose to live somewhere I could afford. If I was on benefits I would expect my benefits to cover my housing costs too? NO. If you do that then effectively the unemployed have a right to FREE housing whatever the cast and their circumstances.

No, No, No.

If you can't afford to live there on your Benefits then move - up North if necessary. Surely its the same being unemployed in Wakefiled as it is in Wandsworth, but houses are cheaper.

Scam and conspiracy

Yep - Scameron and the osBorne Conspiracy have done it again with this disasterous budget.

Yes £10k before Tax is to be applauded but that's all.

Nowt for married couples. They just gave back thousands to folk on over £150k - poor souls. 

1p back on beer and no duty rise on Petrol/diesel. So its less expensive to go to the Pub!

What about those crippled by rising costs of Gas and Electricity? £1500 a year average whatever your income. At least 10% of that is tax and it hits the low earners (I include all income, e.g. pensioners) hardest. If you keep your use to a minimum and you'r on £5k a year 5% VAT hits you hardest especially as Tariffs are highest at the bottom end.

Biliionaire Osborne and co just don't get it.

You can choose to drink beer and use your car. So do you turn the heating off?

Why doesn't everyone pay TAX? Even those on benefits - ITS INCOME!
Look you can have £10 k tax free isn't that enough to live on? Those on £20k benefits pay tax. After all I earn over £20k and then everything I spend is after TAX - seems fair to me.

Bonkers Government gives more money to the rich

Here we go again this Bonkers Government gives out more money to rich WORKING people

What about the Election pledge to help Married Couples (they may have children as well)?

Also would help Gay people in Civil Partnerships.

Giving money out (MY MONEY) to couples who put their kids in child care is Bonkers

In these times of austerity isn't ONE breadwinner per family enough  One stays at home to look after the children. If you can't afford childcare don't do it!

If Married couples had tax breaks then the one who stays at home would be helped by more income from the one working.

Raising children by their parents is by FAR the best way - statistics and endless studies have proved it. Being in a MARRIAGE is also the best way. There is NO equality for "Living together" - I'm not stopping you but if you want the benefits (not social security) real benefits for you and you r family, not to mention SOCIETY then get married!!

SIMPLE

You know it makes sense.

Think of the jobs this would create. All these mums n dads stopping at home, who would do their jobs? Also yes they would have less money, but cut down.

Sky TV is NOT your human right, even though prisoners get it.

GIVE the unemployed jobs

So Labour want to give the Unemployed jobs? Maybe if they'd looked after the economy better then we would be in such a mess with rising unemployment then there would be enough jobs.

but they want to pay for it using our Pensions again.

The Conservatives are doing better but they still don't get it. We need a society where it pays to work but the vulnerable are looked after. We know there is a pensions crisis. How are they going to solve it - make us keep working into our 70's.

Doesn't this government realise that basically the best way to get the pensions bill down is to encourage folk to save for their pensions, then they won't be dependant on benefits. Make pension fund charges fair and transparent. Guarantee tax relief on contributions, guarantee annuities at retirement.

Benfits should not rise faster than wages

Benefits should not rise faster than wages,  at least that's what IDS thinks.

I agree. Labour put us on this ever increasing spiral of benefits yet we are in this financial crisis and those who work are having to make sacrifices so why should benefits rise automatically?

WE are paying them. I work in local Government and have not had a pay rise for 4 years!! 

We all have to make sacrifices so benefits must be frozen.

All I can say is 

1.  when you lose your job, if you've been paying National Insurance, then you should get a better cushion for a limited period until you get another job. Linked to your previous wages with  cap.
2. where is the incentive for married couples David? 2 can live as cheaply as one.

If there is at least one wage earner in a household let the tax allowances be pooled. This will hep the unemployed.

More Fuel poverty - TAX Benefits

Surprise - more people in Fuel Poverty.

Lets face it. most people have to heat n light their homes? Even if you economise the bills are horrendous.

Don't forget this Government GIVES millions back to the richest -

cutting tax from 50p to 45p for those on over £100000. Just think, for someone on £200000 that's saved them £5000 a year.

Now I could pay my fuel bills for nearly 5 years on that. Is this FAIR?

Don't forget also we all pay 5% VAT on GAS/Electric (and wood etc.) not to mention the GREEN levy on top of that.

For those on fixed lowest incomes I ask IS THIS FAIR? If you#'re in arrears or on a Pay-as-you-go meter you can't swap and the Tarriff is the highest.

I say the fairest thing is to put 1p on income tax.

As for those on benefits - fairest thing there is to TAX them! So if you get £30k in benefits you pay tax. INCOME is INCOME even if they are Benefits?

Cataclysm on East Coast

I'm fed up with all this doom and gloom about floods on the East Coast, Lincolnshire.

East Lindsey council now want Caravan sites to be only occupied over the summer 6 months because of the risk of flooding in Winter.

They've just had an exhibition "celebrating"the 60th anniversary of the flood disaster in 

1953, (actually it is next year in January) they want to highlight (FRIGHTEN us about) the 
increased risk of flooding due to Global warming.
ELDC have also refused planning permission to Southview leisure to open their park for 
holiday makers for the full year and are limiting them to 10 months. New applications will 
only be 6 months as I said because of the winter risk.
Excuse me but what about the residents? Do they somehow remain immune from flooding over 
winter? Or will future planning rules restrict residents to 6months of the year. Where do 
we have to go in winter (into Caravans!!). Will new builds (if there ever are any more) be 
restricted to Summer only? This is all ridiculous

Actually look at the facts. The Sea defences are vastly improved since 1953.
The Environment agency spend £6m a year on them.
Since 1953 the population (houses) must have increased 10 fold since then - why impose these 
restrictions now - surely its already too late. They must PROTECT us.
What do they do in Holland etc. What about London - a surge will affect millions as well but 
we're only country bumpkins - not worth the bother here, there's nothing worth protecting? 
Actually what about the Theddlethorpe Gas terminal. If that goes under then the country has 
a BIG problem - no gas to heat your homes etc 

Why don't they go the Whole Hog and buy all us residents out so we can move to higher land. Of course those on benefits won't have to buy another house they can rent one FREE on their benefits - just move them. At £6m a year over 10 years they can buy up 400 of the average house at £150k. Of course many homes are worth less here as prices are lower so more can be bought. The Environment Agency have a 50 year plan anyway so that equals 2000 homes and they could put more money in and get it over with. Then don't bother defending the shoreline. Let the Caravanners come for summer and take a risk.

Pensioners cough up to save economy

So Mr Boles thinks Pensioners should not be immune from the cuts and sacrifice their "benefits" to save the economy?


What planet is he on? Again we have these misguided millionaire MPs with no clue about the real world. You try living on £140 a week for 2 people Mr Boles and see what sacrifices you can make to save GB?


Basically if you've worked all your life, . Saved a bit paid into a pension then retired you at least expect to be able to "enjoy" life what it is. What is there else to look forward to if then HMG looks at your income and decides to slice some more off - remember I said "paid your Tax and NI". Since when do you have to pay twice? Surely its the millionaires who should be on double tax!! Just now you're lucky to get 3% interest on your money so to keep going they have to did into their savings - where will it end. Cameron etc wants us to work longer, pay more and then get less! Don't forget the MPs haven't sacrificed their gold plated pensions just yet.


Conversely those who don't work or save nowt, no pension, retire, what do they get taken off them - NOTHING. They get ALL the Benefits - that is just not FAIR.


Pensioners did NOT cause this crisis. Look at the Billionaire Bankers with their Billion pound bonuses. TAX them at 80% to get things sorted.