Energy prices real scandal

Not mentioned, but its a scandal that energy prices are added to by HMG with 5% VAT and 11% "green" surcharge. As they go up so HMG gets more money. Its also the fact that most on pre-payments are either on low incomes or benefits thus HMG is making THEM pay over the odds to the Companies when HMG is paying them. If you work out the cost per unit they are proportionately more for the first units, plus the standing charge so again unfair to those on low incomes and trying to economise. But also if we had better insulation and lower energy appliances/lights etc we'd all save money. Then they give the companies building Nuclear billions in subsidies yet cut off the measly subsidy for solar panels on your roof. I despair - it will never make sense.

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

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.

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.

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.

Downloads get expensive

Well I thought it would catch on but then folk would feel the pain. All this downloading and expecting ever faster Broadband had to come to an end - well at least you have to PAY for it.

The ISPs know they're onto a winner. All that iPLayer, 4ondemand, Lovefilm, iTUNES etc

IT EATS UP YOUR DOWNLOAD ALLOWANCE

On top of that now we have the dysfunctional family, they never talk etc it used to be the TV. Every one in their rooms watching different programs now its everyone with their Tablet, ipod, iPhone, iPAD, Playstation, computer etc.all smurfing the internet and watching stuff online. No Interaction there then.

Yes WiFi is great but don't forget all this adds up on your monthly download limit, then your IPSP slaps a surcharge on.

BE WARNED.

Oh and by the way this is my last but one BLOG.

WHAT?

No more after Thursday, tomorrow, I hope you're prepared?

What do I mean, well Friday is the 

END OF THE WORLD

The ancient Mayans predicted Friday to be the End of the World so I hope you're ready. Waste of time buying presents, or prearing for Christmas, just go out tomorrow and blow it all on the widest Xmas party ever.

BYE