Governments First Budget

Whitewavemark2

The adult minimum wage is to rise by 6.7% - a much higher rise than expected.

The 16-20 year old workers will get a massive 16% hourly rise.

I agree with all that happening, personally.

I hope business can pay for it.

Whitewavemark2

winterwhite re- paying for services.

That is the nub isn’t it?

That is the choice.

1. A society where tax is at a minimum but you are expected to support yourself in every area of your life except, perhaps, primary education, defence and security etc.

Or

2. A society where tax is paid at a level that gives security to every citizen regardless of ability. So health, care, education, public services, safety nets etc, are there. Investment in wider society like local amenities, good access to parks etc,

I prefer the latter - personal choice.

There is always the 3rd choice of not paying for things that many or several disagree with.

And then using that money on the above.

Personally, I would prefer a nationalised transport system.

Me, too, Wwmk2

Though don't we have a start on some sort of 'nationalisation' with cities such as Manchester taking control of their transport systems, which includes owning and running the metro system.

I hope business can pay for it
Along with a probable increase in employers' NI contributions, I wonder how this will affect jobs? How would it affect the economy and growth?

Mollygo

Winterwhite, my DD’s total bus fares for her and DGD, if the £3 is true, will be £60pw. £40 was difficult, but a 50% increase shows exactly how much KS understands about how people who can’t claim travel expenses manage.

I had no idea it would affect people that badly.

Two children, £50 per week on bus fares to get to school/college.

Allira

^I hope business can pay for it^
Along with a probable increase in employers' NI contributions, I wonder how this will affect jobs? How would it affect the economy and growth?

Well at present the tax payer is subsidising businesses who employees earn only the minimum wage - yet this never seems to be taken into account. Businesses do very well from the British tax payer.

Allira

^I hope business can pay for it^
Along with a probable increase in employers' NI contributions, I wonder how this will affect jobs? How would it affect the economy and growth?

I would like to say, interesting to watch.
But it could end up being a lot more serious than that, in lots of ways.

I know there is myself and another poster on GN, who purposely do not and I think dont, employ anyone any more.
Through choice.

In our case, we decided our employee[s] were better off than we were. Ant it was us that was taking all the risks.
Money wise, health and safety wise, paperwork wise, legally. etc etc

Mollygo
Winterwhite
My DD’s total bus fares for her and DGD, if the £3 is true, will be £60pw. £40 was difficult, but a 50% increase shows exactly how much KS understands about how people who can’t claim travel expenses manage.
I had no idea it would affect people that badly

We decided to buy DGS a student bus pass so he can get to university from his lodgings or that would be yet another travel cost.

It’s worth noting that not all NHS workers are getting a pay rise.

I know there is myself and another poster on GN, who purposely do not and I think dont, employ anyone any more.
Through choice.

Some small business owners were interviewed on the local news the other evening and the general view was that margins were tight anyway with the increase in costs and that this might mean they would have to let one or two members of staff go out of a total of about ten or twelve.

Those people may have been subsidised by the Government or not but the fact is that they will have to be totally subsidised by the Government if that does happen.

Allira

Whitewavemark2

The subsidies to transport services are paid in order to retain vital bus services.

Whether that is the best way to achieve integrated transport is a moot point.

Personally, I would prefer a nationalised transport system.

Are they paid by the Government or Local Authorities?

I thought local authorities had to pay for such things. Which is why so many of them are struggling financially.

Whitewavemark2 Yes of course I go for your option 2.

My personal ranking puts social care and education on a par with the NHS, even if that means the NHS gets less, because they can't wait until the NHS is back on its feet..

MayBee70

Allira

Whitewavemark2

The subsidies to transport services are paid in order to retain vital bus services.

Whether that is the best way to achieve integrated transport is a moot point.

Personally, I would prefer a nationalised transport system.

Are they paid by the Government or Local Authorities?

I thought local authorities had to pay for such things. Which is why so many of them are struggling financially.

LAs are struggling because the grant they receive from government has been cut year on year since 2010.

In 2010 LAs had sufficient funds from their precept and government grant to pay for both their legally obliged duties, as well as other things that makes life pleasant for their communities, like investment in parks, leisure facilities etc.

The cuts since 2010 has meant reduced LA investment in our communities, but worst of all they have really struggled with providing legally obliged services, like social care, and other services and of course POTHOLES😊

Weren’t the government a bit selective about which local authorities had the greater cuts?

Whitewavemark2

This type of economy must be paid for and we will need to see tax at Scandinavian levels in order to achieve this.

The thing to remember about Scandinavian levels of taxation is that - generally, wages and salaries are much higher also. It's relative.

Dickens

Whitewavemark2

This type of economy must be paid for and we will need to see tax at Scandinavian levels in order to achieve this.

The thing to remember about Scandinavian levels of taxation is that - generally, wages and salaries are much higher also. It's relative.

Dickens I learnt a lot about taxation and insurance in Germany. It’s all relative there too.

Tax is higher throughout Europe than in the U.K. and we are talking % not actual figures.

It’s all relative.

No increase on fuel duty, prices will remain frozen for another year so no price hikes at the petrol pumps, employers NI going up though.

Small companies will get assistance though, some may not have to pay employers NI.

Allira

Mollygo

Improving the life of my DGD will not immediately become apparent when her bus fare becomes £30pw. Easier if you live in an IGO area, but she doesn’t.

I was surprised that bus fares have to be paid for to attend FE College here; when I asked if DGD should get a pass, DS said no, they had enquired, even though the local schools have no sixth form.
Another expense for parents.

It's not just wherever you are. 16-18 year olds have to pay for transport everywhere.

It's quite hard to listen to it and read the comments!

Think I'm going to have to come back later...

I taught in a London Borough and I'm sure the 16 - 18 year old travelled free on buses. It was Zip Oyster I think?

growstuff Allira and Mollygo
The bus passes to colleges always used to be a "discounted" fare in our area. My daughter says it's the same in hers.

I can’t keep up with it all😊.

She is zipping along at a breathtaking pace!