[Tom]

Originally Posted by rhino

No I'm not making any generalisations more than anybody else who assumes an income of 44k is a high income full stop. It is in some cases but it also depends on whether you live in an expensive area and have a large morgage. As always the government opt out of any means test because its easier, quicker and cheaper to go for the easy target. And I'm not generalising about all 'poor and vulnerable' families - of course there are families who desperately need allowances and benefits and of course they should be supported but I also know through my contact with lots of families with varying different circumstances that there's a lot more so called poor and vulnerable who have a lot more material possessions than the so called well off. Why shouldn't I comment on that when it is assumed that 'well off' people shouldn't be in debt, that its all their own fault cos they earn a fortune dont they so why should they just not be so greedy and stop spending and live within their means. Well why does that not apply to people on benefits who's kids come into school and say 'can you look after my DS for me till hometime'. Your assuming I'm saying that everyone on benefits is not entitled or squanders money or are scamming the system or are smoking or drinking it away or whatever. I'M NOT - I'm saying it about the ones who do and they do!!!! It is complicated to means test yes but that doesn't mean to say it isn't the only or right fair way - It has to be seen to be fair otherwise it wont be

I'm not saying it doesn't happen, more that you're making it sound like everyone is doing that. You're also missing the point that some poorer families have more material posessions to make themselves feel more well off. Its an ego boost if anything.