"Bedroom tax" plight of Middlesbrough soldiers raised with Prime Minister (From Darlington and Stockton Times)
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"Bedroom tax" plight of Middlesbrough soldiers raised with Prime Minister
4:46pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News
By Robert Merrick, Parliamentary Correspondent
Alison Huggan with photos of her twin sons who are serving in the Army
DAVID Cameron was confronted today over benefit cuts that threaten to leave two teenage North-East soldiers with nowhere to sleep - but insisted they were “fair”.
Labour leader Ed Miliband raised the case - first revealed by The Northern Echo - of 18-year-old twins Anas and Aaron, from Coulby Newham, in Middlesbrough.
Because the boys have joined the Army, the family has been hit by the so-called ‘bedroom tax’, which will slash housing benefit where homes are ‘under-occupied’.
The shake-up will effectively charge social housing tenants for spare rooms, cutting benefit by 14 per cent for one extra bedroom - or 25 per cent where there are two spare rooms.
Single mother Alison Huggan spoke of how family life had been thrown into turmoil, with the fear that her sons will have nowhere to sleep when they return from barracks.
Threatened with losing £1,000 per year, she approached a housing association about moving to a one-bedroom home – only to be told that none are likely to be available.
One of the strongest criticisms of the so-called ‘bedroom tax’ is that there are no smaller homes for 95,000 affected families in England, with the North-East the hardest-hit area.
In the Commons, Mr Miliband said Ms Huggan’s case showed the policy to be unfair, saying: “The prime minister’s bedroom tax means that, while her sons are away, she will be charged more for their bedrooms.”
He added: “She says ‘I resent the fact that both my sons are serving and protecting their country, and in return will not have a home to come home to when they are granted their much-needed leave’.”
Meanwhile, Helen Goodman (Lab; Bishop Auckland) protested that the ‘bedroom tax’ would leave one of her constituents with £24 a week to live on.
She told Mr Cameron: “She is so anxious about how she will manage that she is receiving cognitive behavioural therapy. Her anxiety is totally understandable.”
But Mr Cameron hit back, insisting the cuts were needed to control the ballooning housing benefit bill - and mirrored Labour’s changes in the private sector.
He said: “If you are in private rented housing and receive no housing benefit, you don't get money for an extra room.
“If you are in private housing and do get housing benefit you don't get money for an extra room.
“So there's a basic argument of fairness. Why should we be doing more for people in social housing on housing benefit than people in private housing on housing benefit?”
Anas has joined the Yorkshire Regiment, while Aaron is a Fusilier, based at Catterick, having recently graduated from Army Foundation College.
The issue was first raised last year, when Tom Blenkinsop, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, accused ministers of breaching the military covenant.
Comments(66)
Voice-of-reality
says...
5:23pm Wed 6 Feb 13
CandyCrush
says...
6:15pm Wed 6 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality wrote:I totally agree. The military get paid a good wage, can't her sons help her out with the rent if they expect to be frequently staying in her house on leave? Maybe, with her children flying the nest, it is an opportunity to go out and get a full time job, if she is able.
the soldiers receive an income - it is above the minimum wage. Why should taxpayers either subsidise them further (given that pay is already funded by tax) or subsidise the housing bills of their mother. Doctors, nurses and teachers expect to pay for their own accommodation without handouts - why should this family receive special treatment.
Concerned_Of_Darlo
says...
6:28pm Wed 6 Feb 13
The entire subject should not be about whether this woman's sons are serving or not. This entirely down to a destructive government, who will target anything or anyone to keep that smug grin on George Osbourne's face.
They sit in their own privately owned 7 bedroom houses, 3 or 4 or which are unused, yet expect others to pay a dividend because they live in a council house. Disgraceful.
This woman has a point regarding this stealth tax but to jump on a bandwagon of military service in the family is not the way to approach it.
greenfinger
says...
6:37pm Wed 6 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality
says...
6:49pm Wed 6 Feb 13
The difference being that Osborne has worked and paid for his 7 bedroom house (actually it has more than that) whereas these people who are working want a subsidy. A council house should not be for life. A council house should be for 'when in need'. Further, the size of that house should be decided upon by circumstance and circumstances change. 6 bedroom council house is not needed for one person, in the same way that a one bedroom council house is not suitable for 7 people. As 'private owner' families grow, the homeowner moves and may thereafter downsize. Why should the council tenant be any different?
outragedofmiltonkeynes
says...
6:58pm Wed 6 Feb 13
Concerned_Of_Darlo
says...
7:06pm Wed 6 Feb 13
All great points, except...as a professional politician, how much of Mr Osbourne's house have the tax payer contributed towards and how much does he get billed for No11? That is basically a property belonging to the state (just like a council house). Therefore, I hope both No10 and No11 are subject to the same levy.
God help HM The Queen if they also count Buck House though!!!
Duke of Aycliffe
says...
7:36pm Wed 6 Feb 13
George Osborne doesn't live in a council house he owns his private home & No.11 is a state residence. Too many people in this country expect handouts & feel that the world owes them a living. Wrong! You owe the world.
The gravy train is coming to a stop & not before time. How can it be fair that the workers always foot the bill but long term workshy do not. Two examples of this are, dole whingers crying about the so called "bedroom tax" how can these poor vulnerable people afford this?
No one bothers if me & my wife can afford our stupidly expensive council tax bill or that we pay for our young daughter's school dinners. However, my daughter has told my wife & me that children on free school dinners are allowed 2nd helpings, but not the kids who pay. How is that fair? So, I'm fed up hearing about council tenants who can't afford their homes. I would like a six bedroomed house, but I can't afford it & I don't expect someone else to pay my mortgage.
Voice-of-reality
says...
7:44pm Wed 6 Feb 13
when it comes to appropriate numbers of rooms you may recall that Brown and Blair swapped the flats above Nos. 10 and 11 as a consequence of the number of children and bedrooms required. If the lady in question were to do the same - it would be even more of a non story.
Second, when Osborne loses his job he will not keep the flat at No. 11 whereas the woman in question is keeping her taxpayer home
Alison Huggan
says...
8:36am Thu 7 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality
says...
10:59am Thu 7 Feb 13
1. Being unemployed does not mean that you are entitled to a council house and voluntary work does not, though highly commendable, help to pay bills.
2. Your sons have not made the ultimate sacrifice - they have chosen a line of employment for which they are paid.
3. You are not having to pay for two homes because of your jobs and neither are your sons. First, when children grow up and leave home they forge their own lives. Secondly, when circumstances change, housing needs change.
4. Beveridge did not set up the welfare system - with regard to stamps and unemployment benefit it was David Lloyd George.
5. Yes, the government should encourage more people into work
6. Respect is earned - it should not just be demanded because of a job that people choose to do.
7. I would agree that the army has a duty of care to house your sons and their family (I know not their marital status). However, the army does not have a duty to provide houses for mothers, aunts, uncles and anyone else whom soldiers may choose to stay with when on leave.
sarahd
says...
2:09pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Alison-Could your sons not pay the shortfall? I know they are not paid a fotune but once the money is taken out of their wages for their lodgings and food (by the army) they do have a decent wedge left to play with.
When my children are working they will have to pay me for board to go towards their usage of the house, utilities and food, as I did when I lived at home.
the-big-yin
says...
5:18pm Thu 7 Feb 13
sarahd wrote:I think the main point of this story should really be, is that the government has introduced this sensible idea, but without much thought for the councils and private landlords who do not have any 1 or 2 bedroom properties available to for those wanting to leave properties that are too big down size to. It may be an idea for the government to force councils to build more 1 and 2 bedroom houses for this plan to work.
Very good points made by voice-of-reality.
Alison-Could your sons not pay the shortfall? I know they are not paid a fotune but once the money is taken out of their wages for their lodgings and food (by the army) they do have a decent wedge left to play with.
When my children are working they will have to pay me for board to go towards their usage of the house, utilities and food, as I did when I lived at home.
ALSO YOUR SONS SHOULD PAY YOU FOR THEIR ROOMS. I AM EX FORCES AND ALWAYS PAID MY PARENTS MONEY FOR WHEN I CAME ON LEAVE. £30 EACH WEEK EVEN WHEN I LIVED IN GERMANY FOR 5 YEARS. SO STOP WHINGING AND GET ON WITH IT.
outragedofmiltonkeynes
says...
9:00pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality
says...
9:32pm Thu 7 Feb 13
spragger
says...
11:07pm Thu 7 Feb 13
IanfromCrook
says...
11:18pm Thu 7 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality wrote:Hi, just a note to your points:
I respond to the primary points you make:
1. Being unemployed does not mean that you are entitled to a council house and voluntary work does not, though highly commendable, help to pay bills.
2. Your sons have not made the ultimate sacrifice - they have chosen a line of employment for which they are paid.
3. You are not having to pay for two homes because of your jobs and neither are your sons. First, when children grow up and leave home they forge their own lives. Secondly, when circumstances change, housing needs change.
4. Beveridge did not set up the welfare system - with regard to stamps and unemployment benefit it was David Lloyd George.
5. Yes, the government should encourage more people into work
6. Respect is earned - it should not just be demanded because of a job that people choose to do.
7. I would agree that the army has a duty of care to house your sons and their family (I know not their marital status). However, the army does not have a duty to provide houses for mothers, aunts, uncles and anyone else whom soldiers may choose to stay with when on leave.
1. The lady clearly stated she was recently unemployed.......erg
o was employed.
2. Her sons thankfully have not made the ultimate sacrifice but have in joining up put themselves at that risk for us.
3. No idea.....are soldiers charged for their accommodation?
4. Bit picky.....Churchill Lloyd George and Attlee had a lot to do with it making it a certain that Beverages 5 giants were beaten......Though Tories from Thatcher onward have been trying to resurrect ignorance.
5. I agree also.
6. I agree your point though this extends to MPs and their actions.
7. Fair point.
An extra point I have is although I understand the grievance of this family there are other reasons more persuasive that this is a wholly political weapon.
1. Broken families.......what of shared custody.
2. Foster Carers........alread
y too few.
3. Cost of administration......
....family of four with a boy and a girl start needing 2 bed, when one reaches 9 they need 3 bed, when the eldest leaves 2 bed then 1 bed.....really helps reviving community spirit this constantly moving. Growth in commuting initiated family spread this is another nail in its coffin..........sorr
y meandered......if something costs more than it saves it is not worth it !
Actually the list is endless disabled couples who need equipment.
Love to have a government that actually works for the country not just to play the game and benefit themselves.(all parties)
IanfromCrook
says...
11:23pm Thu 7 Feb 13
the-big-yin wrote:Good points......delayed in my saying so had to recover after laughing so much at the thought of a Tory government forcing councils to build houses. Like asking a fox to collect eggs from a hen house.
sarahd wrote:I think the main point of this story should really be, is that the government has introduced this sensible idea, but without much thought for the councils and private landlords who do not have any 1 or 2 bedroom properties available to for those wanting to leave properties that are too big down size to. It may be an idea for the government to force councils to build more 1 and 2 bedroom houses for this plan to work.
Very good points made by voice-of-reality.
Alison-Could your sons not pay the shortfall? I know they are not paid a fotune but once the money is taken out of their wages for their lodgings and food (by the army) they do have a decent wedge left to play with.
When my children are working they will have to pay me for board to go towards their usage of the house, utilities and food, as I did when I lived at home.
ALSO YOUR SONS SHOULD PAY YOU FOR THEIR ROOMS. I AM EX FORCES AND ALWAYS PAID MY PARENTS MONEY FOR WHEN I CAME ON LEAVE. £30 EACH WEEK EVEN WHEN I LIVED IN GERMANY FOR 5 YEARS. SO STOP WHINGING AND GET ON WITH IT.
Voice-of-reality
says...
3:21am Fri 8 Feb 13
IanfromCrook
says...
10:05am Fri 8 Feb 13
Redcar72
says...
10:16pm Fri 8 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality
says...
10:51pm Fri 8 Feb 13
IanfromCrook
says...
11:14pm Fri 8 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality wrote:Lack of housing is the problem.............
Utter nonsense. The size of council houses is the issue - not the sale of them. The size of them was decided well before Thatcher and the sale of council houses also started in 1946 (again predating Thatcher's tenure as Prime Minister). The problem in this case is of people thinking they have a specific council house for life; rather than, as the rest of the nation does, changing accommodation as circumstances change.
and Thatcher was to blame tying the hands of councils so they could not replenish stock sold in 'right to buy schemes'. Before the 1950s a lot of the privately rented housing stock were families living in one up one down back to back houses with outside loos. The politicians THEN worked for the people to get them out of the disease ridden squalors.
Would not happen now.................
..........
http://england.shelt
er.org.uk/__data/****
ets/pdf_file/0009/39
537/GenerationSqualo
rreport8.3.05.pdf
Thorrr
says...
8:13am Sat 9 Feb 13
Jonn
says...
9:00am Sat 9 Feb 13
I have just searched on Rightmove for the availabilty of affordable 1 bedroom rental properties in Darlington, there are 9.
As long as the poorest are seen to be giving a good kicking though, that's the main thing.
Voice-of-reality
says...
3:28pm Sat 9 Feb 13
the-big-yin
says...
6:16pm Sat 9 Feb 13
IanfromCrook wrote:Very very true....Our Con / Dem government are too busy sucking up to other countries, whilst in the process ruining ours with these stupid and very dangerous rounds of austerity....
the-big-yin wrote:Good points......delayed in my saying so had to recover after laughing so much at the thought of a Tory government forcing councils to build houses. Like asking a fox to collect eggs from a hen house.
sarahd wrote:I think the main point of this story should really be, is that the government has introduced this sensible idea, but without much thought for the councils and private landlords who do not have any 1 or 2 bedroom properties available to for those wanting to leave properties that are too big down size to. It may be an idea for the government to force councils to build more 1 and 2 bedroom houses for this plan to work.
Very good points made by voice-of-reality.
Alison-Could your sons not pay the shortfall? I know they are not paid a fotune but once the money is taken out of their wages for their lodgings and food (by the army) they do have a decent wedge left to play with.
When my children are working they will have to pay me for board to go towards their usage of the house, utilities and food, as I did when I lived at home.
ALSO YOUR SONS SHOULD PAY YOU FOR THEIR ROOMS. I AM EX FORCES AND ALWAYS PAID MY PARENTS MONEY FOR WHEN I CAME ON LEAVE. £30 EACH WEEK EVEN WHEN I LIVED IN GERMANY FOR 5 YEARS. SO STOP WHINGING AND GET ON WITH IT.
I firmly believe that the way out of this new recession is to get the country building again...How many not for profit groups could we get to build new housing for those desperate to rent where their families live, instead of forcing them to move away...
Stop companies who are wanting to build to sell straight on, and have companies who are willing to build and allow those in need of a home to rent from them.....Also this new change in benefits should be scrapped, as there are no 1 and 2 bed houses for people to down size to.......
johnny_p
says...
9:25pm Sat 9 Feb 13
Alison Huggan wrote:I don't wish to be rude Alison- but you've got a degree? A degree in what? Certainly not English.
In response to your comments which have been made without knowing my circumstances, I have worked all my life and are unemployed now for the first time as I have just finished a degree, I do 2 voluntary jobs in return for what I claim back from my stamps, my sons who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the likes of you lot who show no respect nor consideration for them and the 1000s of others that serve this country are hit with a double wammy of living costs, now please come back to me and tell me how many of you have to pay for two homes because of your jobs, it would suit you all to suggest that this government should be doing more to get people into work so they dont have to rely on state benefits to pay there way, even though that is why Beveridge set up the welfare system in the first place to assist people seeking work. You are really very shallow minded in your comments regarding my case, although that does not surprise me given the fact you spirt out comments without knowing the full facts, i will continue my fight against this tax for my sons and the thousands of others that serve this country and get no respect for doing so. For the guy who claims he has served in the forces before, my sons dont want hand outs for there jobs that they do, they want David Cameron to keep to his word on the armed forces covenant which he promised not so long ago, i take it your not a fan of the british legion who are challenging the government on many issues surrounding housing for forces and their families
You can't find work- even as a graduate? And your two sons who despite being paid by the Army can't contribute to the home they return to?
This is another Northern Echo nonsense story.
Thorrr
says...
7:35am Sun 10 Feb 13
greenfinger
says...
7:43am Sun 10 Feb 13
Jonn
says...
9:06am Sun 10 Feb 13
greenfinger wrote:So, you are paying for her spare rooms are you? Seems you have chosen to ignore the bit where Alison mentioned she has worked all her life until recently so would have been contributing.
Alison obviously prefers if we pay for her spare rooms and not her sons. Lovely woman, heart in the right place! Id be embarrassed if i was her sons. they'll probably be the talk of the army not just the north east. Clearly too greedy to contribute anything to the family home. lovely lads she's brought up. must be like their mother and want us to pay for it. what a horrible cretin she sounds.
You really have fallen for the Government propaganda big time haven't you.
Do you not mind that the Banks have robbed each and every one of us to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds?
simmo707
says...
9:35am Sun 10 Feb 13
A collective Government mind set is about as bright as a 2 watt bulb .Number 10’s memo of ‘push the Horsemeat Scandal’ has obviously gone out to all and sundry ,granted it wants investigating we the consumer want to know what we are eating .But what about genetically modified crops we are given no choice .It won’t be long before a death is reportedly linked to this issue because we the public are still smarting over more serious concerns we have .Government and Media can turn a blind eye to the many deaths caused by ATOS and mismanaged Hospitals ,the Beg for your Benefits syndrome “it is not an entitlement “ .The new Justice Bill ,taking away even more of our rights ,but for them to detract from a golden PR opportunity such as this issue to keep the Public ‘focused’ must be milked until another distraction to real concerns appear .You can kid some of the people some of the time ,but not all the people all the time .
www.brokenbritainund
ertories.com
johnny_p
says...
9:55am Sun 10 Feb 13
simmo707 wrote:What is that?
BROKEN BRITAIN UNDER TORIES – GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED MEDIA
A collective Government mind set is about as bright as a 2 watt bulb .Number 10’s memo of ‘push the Horsemeat Scandal’ has obviously gone out to all and sundry ,granted it wants investigating we the consumer want to know what we are eating .But what about genetically modified crops we are given no choice .It won’t be long before a death is reportedly linked to this issue because we the public are still smarting over more serious concerns we have .Government and Media can turn a blind eye to the many deaths caused by ATOS and mismanaged Hospitals ,the Beg for your Benefits syndrome “it is not an entitlement “ .The new Justice Bill ,taking away even more of our rights ,but for them to detract from a golden PR opportunity such as this issue to keep the Public ‘focused’ must be milked until another distraction to real concerns appear .You can kid some of the people some of the time ,but not all the people all the time .
www.brokenbritainund
ertories.com
Horse meat. Genetically modified crops. ATOS. Hospitals. Justice Bill.
Everything in there apart from the actual subject being discussed.
Simmo707- you're a copy and paste clown.
DOGLAWRENCE
says...
10:06am Sun 10 Feb 13
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
outragedofmiltonkeynes
says...
11:15am Sun 10 Feb 13
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
Jonn
says...
11:34am Sun 10 Feb 13
outragedofmiltonkeynAnd don't forget clause 99 which will be introduced in April. This means it will now be virtually impossible for anyone declared fit for work by the ATOS scam medical to challenge the decision at a tribunal. Too many people have been appealing so they change the rules again. A disgusting Government with blood on their hands.
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
DOGLAWRENCE
says...
12:26pm Sun 10 Feb 13
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
johnny_p
says...
8:04pm Sun 10 Feb 13
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:My full sympathy with your current condition, but as you admit your case is not the same as hers. She has two working sons now who simply want somewhere to stay when they come home on leave.
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
As for yourself, wouldn't you be better placed in a smaller council house, leaving your current (larger) house available for a family? It would be far more manageable for you too.
It also sounds like you have issues regarding your state of mind and so could politely suggest you speak to a health care professional about you feelings?
Jonn
says...
10:33pm Sun 10 Feb 13
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:This Government really have gone way too far with their dispicable treatment of ill and disabled people but do not them get to you. You are not alone in your plight, hundreds of thousands are being treated just like you are.
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
Look on the Black Triangle website, sign their e petitions, join their facebook page and you will find hundreds of testaments just like yours.
I have seen lie after lie, in Parliament, coming from the mouths of Cameron and Duncan Smith over these reforms, how they are getting away with I do not know. Even when directly confronted with actual individual cases of people comitting suicide over benefit cuts, they simply wave it away. With a bit of luck, this Governments cowardly actions towards it's most vulnerable citizens will result in it's downfall very soon after April as social unrest will ensue.
Keep you head up.
Jonn
says...
10:55pm Sun 10 Feb 13
johnny_p wrote:So, where would you suggest this man start, considering his poor physical and mental health, plus his lack of money?
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:My full sympathy with your current condition, but as you admit your case is not the same as hers. She has two working sons now who simply want somewhere to stay when they come home on leave.
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
As for yourself, wouldn't you be better placed in a smaller council house, leaving your current (larger) house available for a family? It would be far more manageable for you too.
It also sounds like you have issues regarding your state of mind and so could politely suggest you speak to a health care professional about you feelings?
IanfromCrook
says...
11:13pm Sun 10 Feb 13
Complained to e petitions, not that they do any good, because I suspect they are watering down the complaints by allowing duplicate petitions (against their rules). 14 separate petitions to abolish bedroom tax.
Although I realise signing one is like xxxxxx in the wind with this government.
Davidwillis
says...
3:30am Mon 11 Feb 13
If a single person is living in a house you should pay for it yourself. I have to take in a lodger in my spare room to pay my mortgage.
In the exact story above, surely the sons have a registered home where they are registered to vote, have bills sent to etc. If that is their mothers address, she should not be affected by this, if they have a home elsewhere surely the two of them can pay mother the money they're losing out.
Housing benefit reform is needed, some needy families are in bedsits waiting for accommodation while single people are in houses that are more than they need funded by taxpayer. Plenty of young people are working hard and can't afford they own homes. And if the government continued to subsidy without limit it would push house prices and rent up higher making it harder for everyone.
People living on subsidised accommodation at taxpayers expense, should be encouraged to downsize if possible or be allowed to take on a lodger, if they not willing to do either they have to be prepared to pay more like the rest of us.
Jonn
says...
7:31am Mon 11 Feb 13
Davidwillis wrote:You and many others need to get this assumption out of your head that everyone claiming a benefit has done so since birth, never contributed to the system and are being funded by you. People who have worked for 20, 30, 40 years are now finding themselves jobless or broke. 90% of all new HB claims in the last 2 years were made by people who are in work. Just because someone is claiming HB doesn't mean they are getting ALL their rent and council tax paid, it could be a small percentage to make up a shortfall.
The word tax has been misused in this whole 'bedroom tax' campaign. Tax is where you pay a share of the money you earn to government. A cut in benefit is not tax, it wasn't your money to begin with. Bedroom tax is just left wing propaganda, by people who have no recognition on the financial limits this country has.
If a single person is living in a house you should pay for it yourself. I have to take in a lodger in my spare room to pay my mortgage.
In the exact story above, surely the sons have a registered home where they are registered to vote, have bills sent to etc. If that is their mothers address, she should not be affected by this, if they have a home elsewhere surely the two of them can pay mother the money they're losing out.
Housing benefit reform is needed, some needy families are in bedsits waiting for accommodation while single people are in houses that are more than they need funded by taxpayer. Plenty of young people are working hard and can't afford they own homes. And if the government continued to subsidy without limit it would push house prices and rent up higher making it harder for everyone.
People living on subsidised accommodation at taxpayers expense, should be encouraged to downsize if possible or be allowed to take on a lodger, if they not willing to do either they have to be prepared to pay more like the rest of us.
Where do you suggest all these single people to go to live? 1 bed accomodation is very scarce. Darlington BC pay a maximum of £50 pw HB for anyone under 35 and £75 for 35 and over. I quickly searched on the Rightmove website and there are nine 1 bed properties in the whole of Darlington that are affordable.
simmo707
says...
8:54am Mon 11 Feb 13
Cameron ,Gideon and cohorts have obviously refuelled with hot air recently as their empty nonsensical policies are more publicly aired through the Media .5 million unemployed people must apply for a handful of jobs or be sanctioned .Create some .500,000 people have to downsize their homes or suffer paying the bedroom tax although there are only a handful of available smaller premises .Build some .Gideon has lowered the pensioner Tax threshold so more of their money goes towards pensions .Get to grips with the Banks .Contaminated horse meat will not be banned ,until a few deaths occur .But what the Media don’t headline are changes in the Law the Cameron crowd are making behind our backs new Employment Law ,Secret Courts both not in the interest of the Public ,if the Media aren’t controlled why aren’t our interests highlighted instead of Hot Air .
www.brokenbritainund
ertories.com
Aycliffeangel
says...
9:41am Mon 11 Feb 13
My children have to pay as we own our own house, if they want me to keep their room then they pay otherwise we downsize.
Allison's boys haven't done the ultimate scacrfice one hasn't even finished phase 2 after going AWOL. He's someone I wouldn't want on the fighting for me or I'm sure no soldier will want him watching their back either.
Allison has a degree in Criminology (same as me) and in the north east there are very few jobs that this degree is needed.
I don't like the forces being used in this way, it trivialises our army and its irrelevant that her boys are in the army. There is nothing wrong with being asked to pay towards a house.
this story is taking away the real plight of those it will affect. There is very little sympathy for someone whose sons earn as much as my husband and can afford to pay.
greenfinger
says...
1:34pm Mon 11 Feb 13
Jonn wrote:i'm entitled to my own opinion John and that is these two lads should be paying the shortfall not the taxpayer. Why on earth should they avoid paying for a subsidised house?
greenfinger wrote:So, you are paying for her spare rooms are you? Seems you have chosen to ignore the bit where Alison mentioned she has worked all her life until recently so would have been contributing.
Alison obviously prefers if we pay for her spare rooms and not her sons. Lovely woman, heart in the right place! Id be embarrassed if i was her sons. they'll probably be the talk of the army not just the north east. Clearly too greedy to contribute anything to the family home. lovely lads she's brought up. must be like their mother and want us to pay for it. what a horrible cretin she sounds.
You really have fallen for the Government propaganda big time haven't you.
Do you not mind that the Banks have robbed each and every one of us to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds?
hullgodfreyshire
says...
2:46pm Tue 12 Feb 13
Voice-of-reality wrote:you seriously need a swift kick up the backside, you tory plonker.
Dear concerned...
The difference being that Osborne has worked and paid for his 7 bedroom house (actually it has more than that) whereas these people who are working want a subsidy. A council house should not be for life. A council house should be for 'when in need'. Further, the size of that house should be decided upon by circumstance and circumstances change. 6 bedroom council house is not needed for one person, in the same way that a one bedroom council house is not suitable for 7 people. As 'private owner' families grow, the homeowner moves and may thereafter downsize. Why should the council tenant be any different?
THIS BEDROOM TAX is going to be caMORON s poll tax.
the death nell of the tory party. The libdems have already committed suicide by siding with these silver tough liars , come the next election there will be a slaughtering of the tory vote.This is just further proof that the tory party only look after the rich, and enjoy kicking the poor and disabled. How else can they justify giving the rich a tax rebate of £40,000 and at the same time expect ANY body in a council house to pay a bedroom tax for unoccupied bedrooms.
By the way the idiot that thought up this tax has a 14bedroom mansion AND a 4 bedroom holiday home, WHERE IS HIS BEDROOM TAX.
the-big-yin
says...
3:51pm Tue 12 Feb 13
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:Have you thought about looking for a smaller place that you could manage?
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
There is help out there...
good luck.............
DOGLAWRENCE
says...
4:04pm Tue 12 Feb 13
the-big-yin wrote:Would like a Smaller Place ie Bungalow but because Epilepsy is not Serious , according to R.D.C am not allowed a Bungalow , and besides where are there any Council Properties available for Single People with Animals . Perhaps R.D.C can wave a Wand and Magic them out of Thin Air ??
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:Have you thought about looking for a smaller place that you could manage?
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
There is help out there...
good luck.............
greenfinger
says...
4:15pm Tue 12 Feb 13
DOGLAWRENCE
says...
4:31pm Tue 12 Feb 13
greenfinger wrote:Should try them your self are better than People and help with Severe Depression which you do not seem to have ever had
getting too much money if you can afford to keep animals!
greenfinger
says...
5:08pm Tue 12 Feb 13
greenfinger
says...
5:10pm Tue 12 Feb 13
outragedofmiltonkeynes
says...
6:06pm Tue 12 Feb 13
Jonn
says...
6:34pm Tue 12 Feb 13
the-big-yin wrote:If he lives in the Redcar and Cleveland Council district then he has no chance. If you watched Inside Out a couple of nights ago, you would have found that they have ONE property available for a single tennant.
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:Have you thought about looking for a smaller place that you could manage?
outragedofmiltonkeynIt would be nice if Icould get extra help but as I have Problems managing my Finances even now , after the 1st April I will be wishing my Stroke had been Fatal then at least I would be Stress Free
es wrote:
DOGLAWRENCE wrote:And yours is the type of story which is worth reporting on and it seems that you are a deservng case with a genuine need for extra help.
I have read with interest all the Commenfs on this Lady and her Plight but can't understand why it is in the Paper as her Sons will easily afford to pay for her .
I am 55 and live in a Three Bedroom Council house having outlived both my Parents I had a Stroke and became Epileptic in 2007 my only Friends are my two Dogs .
A third of my Brain was Damaged at the time and I am Severely Depressed but because I have not Self Harmed myself can not get any Suport from Mental Health Services .
So Basically on the 1st of April my Spendable income will be £35 if I am Lucky .
The Woman who Features in this Debate should Consider herself Lucky as her Sons ( if they have a Conscience ) will no doubt Pay her the Short Fall in her Rent .but my Life will end up been Destitute and Home Less .
There is help out there...
good luck.............
Jonn
says...
6:36pm Tue 12 Feb 13
greenfinger wrote:You have obviously never sufferered depression then.
Work beats depression fast than anything i know other than exercise imo. sitting in the house talking to an animal is the shortcut to the nut house.
greenfinger
says...
7:06pm Tue 12 Feb 13
Jonn wrote:wrong again john, unless of course your infinite wisdom is far superior to that of my GP. hth
greenfinger wrote:You have obviously never sufferered depression then.
Work beats depression fast than anything i know other than exercise imo. sitting in the house talking to an animal is the shortcut to the nut house.
johnny_p
says...
7:15pm Tue 12 Feb 13
hullgodfreyshire wrote:I've saved your comment. Guess I'm free to repost it should your prediction "come the next election there will be a slaughtering of the tory vote"?
Voice-of-reality wrote:you seriously need a swift kick up the backside, you tory plonker.
Dear concerned...
The difference being that Osborne has worked and paid for his 7 bedroom house (actually it has more than that) whereas these people who are working want a subsidy. A council house should not be for life. A council house should be for 'when in need'. Further, the size of that house should be decided upon by circumstance and circumstances change. 6 bedroom council house is not needed for one person, in the same way that a one bedroom council house is not suitable for 7 people. As 'private owner' families grow, the homeowner moves and may thereafter downsize. Why should the council tenant be any different?
THIS BEDROOM TAX is going to be caMORON s poll tax.
the death nell of the tory party. The libdems have already committed suicide by siding with these silver tough liars , come the next election there will be a slaughtering of the tory vote.This is just further proof that the tory party only look after the rich, and enjoy kicking the poor and disabled. How else can they justify giving the rich a tax rebate of £40,000 and at the same time expect ANY body in a council house to pay a bedroom tax for unoccupied bedrooms.
By the way the idiot that thought up this tax has a 14bedroom mansion AND a 4 bedroom holiday home, WHERE IS HIS BEDROOM TAX.
You're safe here. Ranting and raving with your red friends, but your views don't necessarily reflect the views of the country. Labour certainly haven't represented the (manual) working man like myself, nor the middle classes but seemed to be more concerned with their wealthy friends in the banking sector. We've got better memories than you would think....
Jonn
says...
7:56pm Tue 12 Feb 13
greenfinger wrote:GP's, what do they know. Try going for an ATOS medical assessment. They disregard GP's opinions and cure you of all your illnessess in 15 minutes.
Jonn wrote:wrong again john, unless of course your infinite wisdom is far superior to that of my GP. hth
greenfinger wrote:You have obviously never sufferered depression then.
Work beats depression fast than anything i know other than exercise imo. sitting in the house talking to an animal is the shortcut to the nut house.
IanfromCrook
says...
9:17pm Tue 12 Feb 13
Jonn wrote:ATOS ....Is that Another Tory Organized Salary
greenfinger wrote:GP's, what do they know. Try going for an ATOS medical assessment. They disregard GP's opinions and cure you of all your illnessess in 15 minutes.
Jonn wrote:wrong again john, unless of course your infinite wisdom is far superior to that of my GP. hth
greenfinger wrote:You have obviously never sufferered depression then.
Work beats depression fast than anything i know other than exercise imo. sitting in the house talking to an animal is the shortcut to the nut house.
greenfinger
says...
10:03pm Tue 12 Feb 13
Jonn wrote:never been for one, i always knew work and exercise was the right answer for me! you cannot underestimate how important it is to interact with other individuals. After a while you realise that they're are many people far worse off than yourself and eventually pick yourself up and move on in life. sitting around feeling sorry for yourself is a massive contributor to depression. motion rids emotion! remember that, it's a fact!
greenfinger wrote:GP's, what do they know. Try going for an ATOS medical assessment. They disregard GP's opinions and cure you of all your illnessess in 15 minutes.
Jonn wrote:wrong again john, unless of course your infinite wisdom is far superior to that of my GP. hth
greenfinger wrote:You have obviously never sufferered depression then.
Work beats depression fast than anything i know other than exercise imo. sitting in the house talking to an animal is the shortcut to the nut house.
outragedofmiltonkeynes
says...
10:45pm Tue 12 Feb 13
johnny_p
says...
11:59pm Tue 12 Feb 13
outragedofmiltonkeynIn fairness we don't know if she smokes, but even if she does it's pretty irrelevant.
es wrote:
Can we get back on topic for a minute? Id still like to know if Alison has stopped smoking to save money so she can pay for the extra bedrooms she doesnt need.
Alison hasn't made a very good case here for the (incorrectly named) "Bedroom Tax".
sazyjaded
says...
12:56pm Wed 13 Feb 13
thehatman
says...
3:54pm Wed 13 Feb 13
johnny_p wrote:The correctly maligned 'bedroom tax' and the changes to council tax benefits will be another blow to the poorest in society while the rich see income tax on their high earnings cut by 5%. Housing Futures Research found that 42% of the 660,000 households to be hit by the bedroom tax already struggle financially. A staggering 72% have disability and/or health problems. Yet the government wants to take 14% of your housing benefit if you are in social housing and deemed to have one 'spare room' and 25% for two or more. This crazy attack will see people forced out of cheaper social housing because of a shortage of single bedroom properties, and into the private sector where soaring rents will mean their housing benefit claim actually rises!
hullgodfreyshire wrote:I've saved your comment. Guess I'm free to repost it should your prediction "come the next election there will be a slaughtering of the tory vote"?
Voice-of-reality wrote:you seriously need a swift kick up the backside, you tory plonker.
Dear concerned...
The difference being that Osborne has worked and paid for his 7 bedroom house (actually it has more than that) whereas these people who are working want a subsidy. A council house should not be for life. A council house should be for 'when in need'. Further, the size of that house should be decided upon by circumstance and circumstances change. 6 bedroom council house is not needed for one person, in the same way that a one bedroom council house is not suitable for 7 people. As 'private owner' families grow, the homeowner moves and may thereafter downsize. Why should the council tenant be any different?
THIS BEDROOM TAX is going to be caMORON s poll tax.
the death nell of the tory party. The libdems have already committed suicide by siding with these silver tough liars , come the next election there will be a slaughtering of the tory vote.This is just further proof that the tory party only look after the rich, and enjoy kicking the poor and disabled. How else can they justify giving the rich a tax rebate of £40,000 and at the same time expect ANY body in a council house to pay a bedroom tax for unoccupied bedrooms.
By the way the idiot that thought up this tax has a 14bedroom mansion AND a 4 bedroom holiday home, WHERE IS HIS BEDROOM TAX.
You're safe here. Ranting and raving with your red friends, but your views don't necessarily reflect the views of the country. Labour certainly haven't represented the (manual) working man like myself, nor the middle classes but seemed to be more concerned with their wealthy friends in the banking sector. We've got better memories than you would think....
You can start the fightback here
www.cantpaywontpay.o
rg
Consett87 says...
5:06pm Wed 6 Feb 13