The latest edition of the Seven Days Show is now online.
In the show this week we talk about how the recent party conference went in Birmingham; the recent announcement on Child Benefit and benefit reforms in general; the Big Society and what it actually means; party membership and its drastic drop; elections to the Shadow Cabinet; Labour’s continued link to the Trade Unions; and finally Ann Widdecombe’s dancing success.. To listen to the podcast click HERE, or you can also subscribe to the show in the Tory Radio section in the podcast area of Itunes.
3 comments:
"Why should rich people....?"
You ask that question, and it is a good question. Certainly we (my wife and I) have always felt somewhat guilty in getting child benefit, but still took the cash even when we are earning considerably above the average.
But all the arguments (child benefit, free bus passes, winter fuel allowance) applies equally to the State Pension.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want to give up my rights to the State Pension, but can see the strong argument as to why I may be asked to give up those rights.
How would you solve this Gordian Knot?
The State Pension is a universal benefit, and a universal cost. We all have to pay for it. Rich people are able to opt out of it, I understand - not the payments, which are compulsory, into National Insurance, but the benefits.
People should be entitled to contract out of National Insurance, refusing the state pension, insisting on paying for all their own health treatment and that of their dependents, and then be checked out of making National Insurance Payments.
The state would have far less people to support if people could opt out of the state.
Immigrants should be made to deposit money as proposed by Nick Boles, so that the costs of maintaining them is not carried by the state, whether EU or non-EU.
That way another load can be removed.
If the minimum wage was set regionally, and not nationally, that would get maybe millions off the dole, depending on the rates. It doesn't make sense to have the same rates in central London as the far flung corners where work and money are scarce.
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