[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

Leanna reveals: “All my babies’ things were new – I had designer buggies and a beautiful nursery. I do sometimes buy Next or Gap – I’m not a snob – but I prefer designer quality.

“I don’t want my girls to be teased for not having the best.”

“I’m not one of those girls who gets pregnant for the benefits, though – both my pregnancies were accidents. People may say I should have been more careful, but I think it’s better to be a young mum – you have more energy. The benefits are for my kids, not me.”

In the next breath she says: “I go clubbing with my friends every fortnight and love having lunch at Italian restaurant Prezzo. I dress nicely as I don’t want to be labelled a ‘benefits mum.’ Even though she says she uses the money on her kids.

She now claims £1,290 a month, including £430 in child tax credits, £132 child benefit, £444 in rent, £80 to cover council tax and single parent benefit of £180 a month – plus £24 worth of vouchers for free milk and fruit.

Leanna adds: “The people at the Job Centre have actually told me I’m better off on benefits than in a minimum-wage job. It’s the system’s fault. My kids would suffer if I worked. This way, taxpayers know I’m raising two well-brought-up kids.”



Her housing benefit covers her rent, so that leaves her with about £740 per month (excluding vouchers). Say her bills were a couple of hundred at the most per month, that would leave her with £540. If she saves around £170 per month, that leaves her with £370, which equates to around £90 per week with which to buy food, clothes etc. I suppose it's quite feasible if you have no personal vices. Although I don't know where she finds the money for designer clothes and lunching out?

Plus the holidays and such she claims to be able to afford. And she says she saves 250 per month. Which would leave 290. About 70 quid a week to feed and clothe herself and 2 kids. Before the treats and great lifestyle she has.