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Do we expect too much as a right in Great Britain?

(237 Posts)
Riverwalk Fri 18-Apr-14 21:54:57

I was referring to:

'There are many other benefits available which would astonish citizens of many other countries. '

rosequartz Fri 18-Apr-14 21:50:02

I did mention in the OP they are from Australia.

No school meals, let alone free ones.
No state pension if you have a private one.
Taxes are higher than ours.
On top of that they have to pay Medicare or into a private scheme.

And surely the USA is less generous than the UK?

I am beginning to wonder if we take too much for granted in this country.

Riverwalk Fri 18-Apr-14 21:40:50

I don't think we expect too much - considering the amount of taxes we pay.

Which countries' citizens would be astonished? And what are they astonished at? confused

Most other developed countries have similar social systems to ours.

My Aussie colleagues tell me that in their public hospitals there is a statutory maximum number of patients that a ward nurse can be responsible for ..... it's something like 4!!

I'm astonished at that.

rosequartz Fri 18-Apr-14 21:31:22

I do know that people wait much longer for knee, hip replacements in Wales than just across the border in England.

However, the OP is really - are we expecting too much State help in comparison with other first-world countries?

durhamjen Fri 18-Apr-14 21:10:45

The opendemocracy link is to a Nuffield Trust report, which is usually on the government's side. As you say, rose, better results from less funding.

Ana Fri 18-Apr-14 20:55:32

wink rosequart. Other people's experiences are often much more reliable than media reports (of whatever type) anyway.

rosequartz Fri 18-Apr-14 20:48:15

Personally, fingers crossed, I have found the NHS in Wales very good, but have heard that there is a lack of funding, less than that in the rest of GB.

Otherwise, I can only go on what I have heard from other people's experiences nationwide. (Personal reports, not the media I should add, before I get accused of reading the DM.)

durhamjen Fri 18-Apr-14 20:40:14

Just for you, rose. Your NHS isn't as bad as you are told.
www.opendemocracy.net/node/81624

janerowena Fri 18-Apr-14 20:33:53

Not 'Should we', as much as 'Will have to'. C'est la vie.

rosequartz Fri 18-Apr-14 20:33:42

tbugrin ha ana! I must say that we had a chat over dinner and from what they have noticed and read since arriving they are flabbergasted somewhat surprised by what life is like here. Perhaps we need people from overseas to make us realise just how lucky we are.

Ana Fri 18-Apr-14 20:24:10

Good luck with this thread, rosequartz! hmm

rosequartz Fri 18-Apr-14 20:18:57

Relatives visiting from Australia are astonished at how much is provided by the State for the population of Great Britain.

In Wales we all receive free prescriptions (although our NHS in Wales apparently is in a bad state). Senior citizens are eligible to free prescriptions everywhere else, whatever their income. Now free school meals are proposed for all primary school children, and in some areas free breakfast clubs are provided for school children. There are many other benefits available which would astonish citizens of many other countries.

Does this make us a dependent society expecting more and more, or should those who can afford it be expected to pay for these services as is the norm in other countries, bearing in mind that our tax rate is lower than many other countries?

Should we start to become less dependent on the State and more self-reliant, at the same time as caring for those in need?