Tory welfare cuts will impoverish 200,000 children next year and more than 600,00 in 2020

It wasn't an 'attack' it was an observation. Why do you have to exaggerate?

And I have discussed several aspects of the topic, just like many others on this thread.

If Osborne does not change his mind on this at all, there are 71 Tory MPs who could lose their seats at the next election just because of this
Although that would be nice, I'd still rather he changed his mind now instead of punishing all those families over the next four years.
He didn't want the minimum wage, but has now realised it's a good idea.
He did not want the living wage, but now realises it's a good concept, even if he is lying about it.
I wonder how long it will take to wear him down about the tax credits.

Ana, why can you never discuss the topic? Why does it matter how or where I get my information? Why do you have to attack me for that?

roseaarered "when there is no alternative" There is an alternative have a more equal society where the richest pay their share and the poorest are supported. Just because you refuse to recognise this doesn't mean it doesn't exist- there's none so blind as those who will not see. Bankers get huge bonuses, the poor get their benefits cut-if there is a difficult patch you can deal with things differently

Yes, you do your own research and not rely on the organisations you've signed up to to feed you information!

There is an alternative though

I thought you were sent most of your links by email, durhamjen, which you then transfer directly onto here...

Anna is correct, when there is no alternative, you simply have to manage.None of us stated that it is desirable for people to have less, who would want that,but that if you are going through a difficult patch, or your tax credits are reduced to your detriment, then you have to be as careful as possible with money, make cutbacks.

My search facility finds far more than most people's, though, Ana.

Here's another fullfact about the living wage.

fullfact.org/factcheck/economy/six_million_jobs_below_living_wage-48825

The Mirror said 6 million earn below the living wage, but fullfact asked and found out it was ONLY 5.4 million+.

I think the point some of us were making (not all) was that it can be done, and was done, with very little complaint or expectation that the taxpayer would automatically bail us out.

To those who think there are families on benefit working the system, I think you may be correct BUT I would far rather fund a few who are taking advantage of the system, and have decent levels of benefits for all, than cut benefit spending, and see families living in more poverty. I don't understand those who keep harping on about how they survived on low incomes. One would think such experiences would make them want better for today's children.

Yes, I agree that the process involved in claiming some benefits such as the ones you mention can and does deter some people from claiming what they're entitled to, Iam64.

That aspect should definitely be addressed - could an impartial third party make the claim on their behalf (obviously there'd have to be medical/physical evidence as well in support).

Thanks Ana , that's a lot of money isn't it and it's good to see it publicised. I've previously acknowledged that in work I did see a small amount of benefit exploitation (yes, some fraud as well) but most folk I come across in work or private life really struggle if they're long term unemployed. I also know many people who don't claim benefits to which they are definitely entitled, particularly PIP/former Disabled Living Allowance, because they just can't face the processes/humiliation involved.

Your search facility can't be very good, durhamjen

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3279222/How-13BILLION-benefits-not-claimed-year-including-half-people-dole.html

Can't find the DM one, Iam, but here's one from Joe Hales.

speye.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/66-million-per-day-24-billion-per-yearin-welfare-goes-unclaimed/

According to Ageuk, it's £5.5 billion a year for the elderly.

Look at this. Another trap for the low paid.

speye.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/pay-more-to-stay-230-pw-rent-increase/

Oh I have just heard that disabled benefits are being eyed up for possible cuts, oh good!

The daily mail on line has a piece this morning about the huge amounts saved because people aren't applying for benefits to which they are entitled. Apologies for my inability to do a link, maybe someone else can?

See Gideon is refusing to back down over tax credits. Lords might defeat them though.

Apparently the general opinion is that Gideon intends for there to be further cuts in autumn statement.
Wonder who is going to lose out next time. More tax credit cuts? Pension benefit cuts? Unemployment benefit?
We haven't long to find out

My dad smoked a pipe - the St Bruno tins were very useful for keeping things in but you couldn't write on them.
Pins, buttons, seeds etc

(No, he wasn't Harold Wilson but nearly )

see, back then everyone was doing it....Djens Dad used to open the fag packet up in order to write more things down.It was a simpler world.

I know, it is a bit shocking, aged 13, but if I hadn't spent my pocket money on Capstan Full Strength, where would I have done all my maths jottings?

I wouldn't know, I wasn't smoking when I was 13 roses (and I must say I'm quite shocked that you apparently were!)

In which case I do not understand why the government hasn't brought in plain white packaging to make it easier for themselves.
Could possibly have something to do with the fact that they are in the pockets of the cigarette companies.
My dad always used to open them up to give himself more space to write.