if you to be seen to be fair..how would you reform the whole benefit system?

[Bobbisox]

Looking at the good thread the ED has done in News about the changes in CB, if you could suggest it, what changes and measures would you make to ensure benefits went to the right people, eg, those who can't work through no fault of their own, it would be pointless us shouting, "Stop in for young kids having kids" who would suffer then? there must be a fair way of people getting any benefits, always an emotive subject tho'

[Bobbisox]

means testing would probs work doc and I am at a loss why no Government will attempt it!

[Barmaid]

I'd cut down the huge number of different benefits and make the system easier to understand for the majority of people.
I'd increase checks on disability claims so that those who really are disabled get the help they need and those that are just greedy bastards dont (I know of one person who has a son with learning disability, he has no mobility problems whatsoever but still gets the full mobility rate - What The Funicular?!)
I'd increase JSA for those genuinely seeking work and make it wholly more realistic - including making some payments in travel vouchers for attending interviews.
I'd tighten up Income Support so that those who just swing the lead don't see benefits as a life style choice. I'd also make some benefits payable in vouchers for food, clothing etc.
I'd withdraw child support to anyone with a family income of over £40k

And that would just be what I'd do on my first day as PM.

[daffy654]

I can assure you that your neighbour does not get £314 a month for his car. The top rate of DLA mobility component is £48.85 a week, so less than £200 a month.

[Bobbisox]

BM, some excellent points in there, the abuse of the system is staggering !

[Ankou]

doc.... you have trouble keeping up the old chap....?

[daffy654]

Barmaid, children with certain learning difficulties do need help with mobility. Autistic children can be very frightened of public transport or cars driven by strangers. My son gets the care component but not the mobility as he never actually goes anywhere where his dad doesn't drive, or his classroom assistant is not present.

[Barmaid]

Oh Carer's Allowance - that's another thing I'd have a pop at. For those who genuinely do provide care for someone, and probably do not work as a result, I'd make it a decent amount. However, with reference to the person I mentioned above, she gets top rate Carer's allowance on the basis her child requires 24/7 care. He requires no more care than an ordinary 9 year old. Drives me potty that one does.

[daffy654]

There must be a care component then doc, mobility is the rate I told you above, if you don't believe me visit the dwp website and look for yourself. I get top rate mobility and lowest care component and mine is just over £250 a month.

[DrFilth]

doc if he has told you fibs about his mobility payment maybe he has told fibs about the £1000

[Bobbisox]

then surely this is a deserving case daffy and benefits should go to you for his care, it is the lead swingers that get peoples back up

[daffy654]

Barmaid, what learning disability does this child have that you know of?
I also get carers allowance for my son who has aspergers syndrome. He is much harder work than either of my daughters were and can't be allowed out of the house without supervision of an adult (he's 13). He walks to and from school with a friend and if the friend is ill his dad has to take an hour off work to take him instead.

[Barmaid]

I know that Daffy! That's why I am staggered. He has mild learning disabilities but is fine on public transport or in taxis. She maintains he needs 24 hour attention but is quite happy to farm this kid out to all and sundry so she can go off and meet new men. I get really cross about it!