General News

[RobHawk]

7 minutes ago, South Shire Fox said:

Cutting disability allowance for those most needy but sending billions to Ukraine. A disgraceful government

I'm never one to advocate cutting benefits, but I also don't think the current benefit system is fit for purpose. Personally I blame that on previous governments as all of the support mechanisms for getting people back to work were scrapped in the name of austerity. It left countless people trapped in a black hole, with no way of getting out.

 

From what I've seen, they want to reinvest some of the money they hope to save to reintroduce those support mechanisms. Help people get back into work and ensure we don't see this cycle of kids leaving school and going straight onto benefits with no hope of everything working. 

 

There does like there will be some pain to the changes to PIP, I don't know enough about this to really comment but those at the lower end may now lose out. Whilst those with a lifelong disability will no longer be required to be reassessed. 

 

As for Ukraine, I don't see how our country can't help them, national security for us and the EU is pretty important. I don't believe it's as simple as one or the other, there has to be balance. 

 

I still think they are missing a trick by not introducing a wealth tax, and I think that could generate more income for the country, but the benefits system would still need reform and it certainly wouldn't solve everything. At this stage, let's give them a chance and see how it pans out. 

[Tommy G]

23 minutes ago, South Shire Fox said:

Cutting disability allowance for those most needy but sending billions to Ukraine. A disgraceful government

Welfare needs reform as there are too many claiming benefits and not enough in work since covid, this is a UK problem and isn't an issue anywhere else in the developed world. 

[davieG]

 

A busy Leicester road is closed this afternoon due to an unsafe building. Leicestershire Police said Saffron Lane was shut between Knighton Lane East and Richmond Road to Aylestone Road and Putney Road West after masonry fell from a building.

The closure was announced at 2.10pm today (Tuesday, March 18). Drivers are advised to find alternative routes.

 

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/live-updates-major-leicester-road-10033941

 

[Dunge]

22 minutes ago, RobHawk said:

I'm never one to advocate cutting benefits, but I also don't think the current benefit system is fit for purpose. Personally I blame that on previous governments as all of the support mechanisms for getting people back to work were scrapped in the name of austerity. It left countless people trapped in a black hole, with no way of getting out.

 

From what I've seen, they want to reinvest some of the money they hope to save to reintroduce those support mechanisms. Help people get back into work and ensure we don't see this cycle of kids leaving school and going straight onto benefits with no hope of everything working. 

 

There does like there will be some pain to the changes to PIP, I don't know enough about this to really comment but those at the lower end may now lose out. Whilst those with a lifelong disability will no longer be required to be reassessed. 

 

As for Ukraine, I don't see how our country can't help them, national security for us and the EU is pretty important. I don't believe it's as simple as one or the other, there has to be balance. 

 

I still think they are missing a trick by not introducing a wealth tax, and I think that could generate more income for the country, but the benefits system would still need reform and it certainly wouldn't solve everything. At this stage, let's give them a chance and see how it pans out. 

I’m always nervous about a wealth tax on the basis that I reckon it would chase money - both private and business - out of the country. But I do think the world might have collectively missed a trick in not imposing one to pay for the response to Covid. It feels like one domino falling would have led to others there.

[jgtuk]

5 hours ago, hejammy said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/czje23jd779t

 

I know most don't care - I know it will probably be deleted, but honestly - this world is just beyond repair. Utterly saddened, 400 lives......

They’re not even trying to hide it anymore, aid workers killed last week, several deaths by snipers and still the bombs are falling on civilians, many of them children. 
Western media is barely covering any of it. 
I’ve heard awful things since the (supposed) ceasefire, more violence and killings in the west bank including the IDF pushing two shepherds off a cliff, recording it whilst laughing. 
Another forced from the roof of a five story building to his death. 
These aren’t Hamas, these are Palestinian civilians. 
The world just sits back and watches, such is the power of the Israeli government. 
 

[Torquay Gunner]

28 minutes ago, jgtuk said:

They’re not even trying to hide it anymore, aid workers killed last week, several deaths by snipers and still the bombs are falling on civilians, many of them children. 
Western media is barely covering any of it. 
I’ve heard awful things since the (supposed) ceasefire, more violence and killings in the west bank including the IDF pushing two shepherds off a cliff, recording it whilst laughing. 
Another forced from the roof of a five story building to his death. 
These aren’t Hamas, these are Palestinian civilians. 
The world just sits back and watches, such is the power of the Israeli government. 
 

They always get that free pass, very rare there’s any criticism from any western government. To say quite sickening is a mild understatement.

Edited 18 March 2025 by Torquay Gunner

[leicsmac]

5 hours ago, leicsmac said:

Given the current makeup of Congress, what exactly can they do?

 

The judiciary as a check and balance is creaking, it may only be public opinion on the economy that might be able to help.

 

I can understand the frustration here, but things going to hell in a handbasket, as they are, is, solely, on Trump and his administration that a lot of people warned about in the clearest possible terms.

 

Decent people who will end up being victims shouldn't, and won't, carry the can for some kind of accusation of not being effective enough opposition.

 

NB. That being said, should things go proper sideways, then those who are left are probably going to hold everyone from our time culpable anyway, and they might be right to.

Further to the bolded:

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8j0vwpkwkxo

 

The chief justice of the US Supreme Court has released a rare statement in response to President Donald Trump's call to impeach a judge who ruled against his administration over migrant deportations.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement.

He added that the "normal appellate review process exists for that purpose".

[RowlattsFox]

2 hours ago, South Shire Fox said:

Cutting disability allowance for those most needy but sending billions to Ukraine. A disgraceful government

Behind the headline though, those most need won't see any changes because they are genuine. They'll be some that have got used to receiving  certain amount and be worse off definitely. 

 

I work in youth employment support and the amount of people who see claiming pip as a goal and a motivation is astonishing, even before they turn 18 because theyve had it drilled into them. I know I only see my small sample size, in the 16-24 category, and I admit there are lots of genuine cases but I'm glad it's been looked at. Especially at that age group, when they are still living at home. Far too easy to claim PIP and carers allowance and I've seen first hand how it effects a desire to work. A lot of is generational and it contributes to the whole household income. Particularly when child benefit stops because they leave education. 

 

However, making it harder to claim is one thing,  I hope we also see some funding and opportunities for young people, particularly in deprived and low income areas. 

[Lionator]

2 hours ago, Tommy G said:

Welfare needs reform as there are too many claiming benefits and not enough in work since covid, this is a UK problem and isn't an issue anywhere else in the developed world. 

The only thing I would say is that the job market is atrocious at the moment. Lots of very poor paying jobs that just wouldn’t help people make ends meet.

[Robo61]

1 hour ago, Lionator said:

The only thing I would say is that the job market is atrocious at the moment. Lots of very poor paying jobs that just wouldn’t help people make ends meet.

And this is where the problem lies,   most people claiming benefits are now in employment meaning effectively tax payers money is subsidising low pay,  yet when the governmet attempts to put extra taxes on business they bleat that they cannot afford it.  The government needs to come to its sense before its too late and initiate a wealth tax as it is they that are the biggest beneficiary of  government subsidy and not the poor.

[Lionator]

13 minutes ago, Robo61 said:

And this is where the problem lies,   most people claiming benefits are now in employment meaning effectively tax payers money is subsidising low pay,  yet when the governmet attempts to put extra taxes on business they bleat that they cannot afford it.  The government needs to come to its sense before its too late and initiate a wealth tax as it is they that are the biggest beneficiary of  government subsidy and not the poor.

The whole system is broken and it needs some serious thinking to try and overcome it. Anyone who has tried different approaches mainly thinking Corbyn and Truss, have been well and truly spat out and rejected by the system.

[hejammy]

4 hours ago, jgtuk said:

They’re not even trying to hide it anymore, aid workers killed last week, several deaths by snipers and still the bombs are falling on civilians, many of them children. 
Western media is barely covering any of it. 
I’ve heard awful things since the (supposed) ceasefire, more violence and killings in the west bank including the IDF pushing two shepherds off a cliff, recording it whilst laughing. 
Another forced from the roof of a five story building to his death. 
These aren’t Hamas, these are Palestinian civilians. 
The world just sits back and watches, such is the power of the Israeli government. 
 

The problem isn't just in the media, society in general. Take a look at this forum, how much of an outcry is there on here comparative to other situations where death tolls are much smaller? The world is watching whilst one of the most inhumane acts are being carried out on a mass scale since World War 2. "They don't look like us so who gives a toss" 

[Lionator]

 

[Super_horns]

The thing is are there enough suitable jobs available for the many millions of people with all sorts of disabilities be it physical or mental?

Businesses are cutting staff to the bone and the world is getting ever more technical rather than relying on people.

[Jon the Hat]

4 hours ago, Super_horns said:

The thing is are there enough suitable jobs available for the many millions of people with all sorts of disabilities be it physical or mental?

Businesses are cutting staff to the bone and the world is getting ever more technical rather than relying on people.

There used to be organizations which provided employment for all kinds of people with disabilities, but then someone decided paying them less than minimum wage was degrading, so they all closed as they were not efficient enough to support themselves.

[Lionator]

8 minutes ago, Jon the Hat said:

There used to be organizations which provided employment for all kinds of people with disabilities, but then someone decided paying them less than minimum wage was degrading, so they all closed as they were not efficient enough to support themselves.

Also supporting disabled people into work by making adjustments would be seen as a symptom of the woke virus. See how people react to EDI leads in the NHS, people think it’s so that people can be employed to talk about how bad colonialism is whereas the actual stuff is about increasing accessibility to people who can’t work because of physical and mental health needs.

[Super_horns]

1 hour ago, Jon the Hat said:

There used to be organizations which provided employment for all kinds of people with disabilities, but then someone decided paying them less than minimum wage was degrading, so they all closed as they were not efficient enough to support themselves.

Yes not sure some provide the support required now.

 

They say they might but more lip service than anything .

 

Work in retail so know how they are cutting roles and as personally know they discipline you if you so much as have a day off due to sickness or a semi long period in hospital due to something caused by a condition

Edited 19 March 2025 by Super_horns

[jgtuk]

2 hours ago, Jon the Hat said:

There used to be organizations which provided employment for all kinds of people with disabilities, but then someone decided paying them less than minimum wage was degrading, so they all closed as they were not efficient enough to support themselves.

It was/is degrading though. Which other minority groups would you like to pay below minimum wages? 
We seem to be fine subsidising large industry (fossil fuel, farming, the whole of the food industry etc.) for reasons of capital, yet no no sense of moral or social obligation to support those living on or below the poverty line… 

I’m not an economist but the whole system is broken imo. 

[Super_horns]

It seems to me they feel too many people try to play the mental health card but then isn’t everyone encouraged to be more open and honest with themselves and each other?

 

Rather than suffer and hide their feelings and misery/mindset .

[bmt]

10 hours ago, Lionator said:

Also supporting disabled people into work by making adjustments would be seen as a symptom of the woke virus. See how people react to EDI leads in the NHS, people think it’s so that people can be employed to talk about how bad colonialism is whereas the actual stuff is about increasing accessibility to people who can’t work because of physical and mental health needs.

I've not thought about the removal of help in the context of the pushback against DEI. Interesting point 

[samlcfc]

A further concern is that the PIP forms are difficult to complete appropriately, especially with regards to mental health. 

 

Those most eligible, often find the application process most difficult. If they don't improve the service significantly, they'll probably find there's a good number of successful claimants that they'd hope would be ineligble, whilst the most vulnerable go without.

 

Beyond being an awful situation for some people, could be a bit of a disaster for the party if it isn't significantly economically beneficial and they run into a bunch of horror stories come the next election. Hard to tell obviously, but I can't imagine them getting in next time around anyway.

[Parafox]

15 minutes ago, samlcfc said:

A further concern is that the PIP forms are difficult to complete appropriately, especially with regards to mental health. 

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

My daughter who I've spoken about several times, is eligible for the full PIP because of her MH illness. She can function reasonably well until some crisis causes severe anxiety and triggers her bi-polar disorder.

 

She was re-assessed for PIP and, despite her obvious issues, her claim was declined, despite supporting evidence from her Psychiatrist. She went into meltdown as a result and we struggled to keep her safe.

 

We appealed and the decision was overturned before the hearing took place. We now have been accepted as her proxy so we can complete assessments on her behalf and accompany her to any further reviews

 

It's shitshow, and the proposed reforms will almost certainly cause some to take their own lives as a result.

[MaidstoneFox]

1 hour ago, Parafox said:

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

My daughter who I've spoken about several times, is eligible for the full PIP because of her MH illness. She can function reasonably well until some crisis causes severe anxiety and triggers her bi-polar disorder.

 

She was re-assessed for PIP and, despite her obvious issues, her claim was declined, despite supporting evidence from her Psychiatrist. She went into meltdown as a result and we struggled to keep her safe.

 

We appealed and the decision was overturned before the hearing took place. We now have been accepted as her proxy so we can complete assessments on her behalf and accompany her to any further reviews

 

It's shitshow, and the proposed reforms will almost certainly cause some to take their own lives as a result.

Hopefully these proposals will be amended when they come to be voted on. It's so unnecessary, there are other ways of raising revenue. I never thought I would see a Labour government make proposals that will have such a detrimental effect on on the most vulnerable in our society. They should be creating a system that spreads the burden, not adds more to those less able to deal with it.

[Parafox]

1 hour ago, Parafox said:

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

My daughter who I've spoken about several times, is eligible for the full PIP because of her MH illness. She can function reasonably well until some crisis causes severe anxiety and triggers her bi-polar disorder.

 

She was re-assessed for PIP and, despite her obvious issues, her claim was declined, despite supporting evidence from her Psychiatrist. She went into meltdown as a result and we struggled to keep her safe.

 

We appealed and the decision was overturned before the hearing took place. We now have been accepted as her proxy so we can complete assessments on her behalf and accompany her to any further reviews

 

It's shitshow, and the proposed reforms will almost certainly cause some to take their own lives as a result.

 

My concern with regard to the reviews is the level of competence of those doing the face to face assessments. The reviews are almost always face to face which can be intimidating for the claimant especially if they have MH issues. The reviewer is trained to assess within government guidelines which, by the very nature of that, puts claimants a a disadvantage.

[Parafox]

Gareth Southgate's Dimbelby lecture has raised my opinion of him above being a footballer and manager. He's spoken so well and is so right in what he said.