Put Out Elderly First

[lindapalmara]

I'm sure Foreign Aid has been discussed many times but now it is being suggested we raise Councul Tax to pay for elderly care isn't it time to look at the foreign aid to Despots and expensive "Consultants"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-4027300/DAILY-MAIL-COMMENT-Time-elderly-foreign-despots.html

The Council Tax method has at least two major flaws. First that it will raise more revenue in wealthier areas whereas in poorer areas many people don't pay Council tax and I also don't trust Councils to use use the money sells for that.

[fiction-factory]

Type Your Answer Here...As Naomi pointed out a few days ago the government is currently required by law to pay 0.7% of GDP as Foreign Aid- that is currently £12 billion a year. We are also part of the G& who are committed to a 0.7% target.
Unless some changes can be made there is no point in looking to cuts in Foreign Aid to fund elderly care or any other public spending.
.
.
..

[fiction-factory]

Not sure why that submitted as I was still typing.
I think passing it onto council tax is not really tackling the issue. The ever increase longevity of our population and the pressures on NHS (and perhaps families being less reluctant to look after their own) have led to a big increase in demand for elderly care compared to a generation ago, and the costs have gone up, due partly to minimum wage changes and increased expectations regarding accommodation etc

[pixie374]

Families aren't necessarily the answer. The scale and degree of abuse is easily the worst in homecare- by relatives- and nearly always through ignorance rather than intent. A lot of education is needed all round- which costs money.

[naomi24]

fiction-factory, //Naomi pointed out a few days ago the government is currently required by law to pay 0.7% of GDP as Foreign Aid....Unless some changes can be made there is no point in looking to cuts in Foreign Aid to fund elderly care or any other public spending. //

I did indeed - and changes can be made. If budgets, whether domestic or otherwise, don't cover necessities, then unnecessary spending has to be dispensed with.

[fiction-factory]

Agreed, but is not feasible within the next few years and given our desire to be seen as a major economy (especially post Brexit) member of the G7, and the fact that UKIP is the only party that seems to want to reduce Foreign Aid spending it seems unlikely things will change for at least the next 5 years.

[naomi24]

That's not the point. Wasting money that we need is poor housekeeping.

[fiction-factory]

If you are looking at what could happen in 5 years time then it's a valid discussion for the longer term- possibly next election and once Brexit is sorted but it seems pointless to think that Foreign Aid money could help the elderly (or NHS or homeless etc now) now or in the next few years

[fiction-factory]

Naomi, when I asked on AOG's thread about how much should be spent on FA or given instead to Red Cross you said "As I understand it the amount given is determined by law, so whatever I think is irrelevant."

[naomi24]

I'm not sure what you're trying to get at here. AOG’s question was “Are You Happy To See £12Billion And Rising, Spent On Britain's International Aid Budget?”. Given a choice I’d spend nothing except perhaps on aid to global catastrophes – and that money I would give to the Red Cross - but it isn’t my choice so my opinion is irrelevant.

[New Judge]

“I don't know if this has has been mentioned but I believe Scotland has free care for the elderly.

What is that all about….”

This is what it’s all about, AOG:

http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN04033

To save you looking it up:

In 2015/16, public spending per head in the UK as a whole was £9,076. In England, it was £8,816 (3% below the UK average). This compares with:

• Scotland: £10,536 (16% above the UK average)

Coupled with this disparity in per capita spending the ridiculous devolution arrangements put in place by Tony Blair enables the Scottish government to provide “free” services for its residents which are not available in England.

“…those that have arrived here more recently are much more likely to be providing care to you, and to your relatives than being the recipients of care themselves.”

Quite so, Mikey. But, incredible as it may seem, eventually those new arrivals will get old (and probably need care) themselves. What do we do about that? Oh! I know! We can bring in some more immigrants to help out. But hang on! Incredible as it may seem, eventually those new arrivals will get old! What do we do….. (continues forever).

“As Naomi pointed out a few days ago the government is currently required by law to pay 0.7% of GDP as Foreign Aid- that is currently £12 billion a year. We are also part of the G& who are committed to a 0.7% target. Unless some changes can be made…”

Simple. Repeal the ridiculous law brought in by the previous Prime Minister that compels the UK to borrow money to give to foreigners. The G8 can commit to whatever they like.