Starmer's vision quest

[Ian H]

At least some of the funding will come from savings in the NHS with fewer hypothermic OAPs to deal with. The same OAPs, now financially more secure, might contribute more to the economy generally. There will be other knock-on effects.

 

[First Aspect]

My issue isn't about funding it, I think it was a daft cruel thing for Labour to have done the way they did.

What I find daft if how Labour are so critical of other Parties about "unfunded policies" then do exactly that themselves. Why is it wrong for others but OK for Labour to do it?

Ian

It was a bit like closing a window on the Titanic, I agree.

 

[Pross]

My issue isn't about funding it, I think it was a daft cruel thing for Labour to have done the way they did.

What I find daft if how Labour are so critical of other Parties about "unfunded policies" then do exactly that themselves. Why is it wrong for others but OK for Labour to do it?

Ian

Why was it cruel? Why do people deserve the payment based on age rather than income? It was a stupid policy that got brought in as a temporary measure and suddenly became an entitlement

 

[CXRAndy]

Why was it cruel? Why do people deserve the payment based on age rather than income? It was a stupid policy that got brought in as a temporary measure and suddenly became an entitlement

It's a gesture for those who have worked most of their life and deserve a token which can in some cases save lives.

 

[Pross]

It's a gesture for those who have worked most of their life and deserve a token which can in some cases save lives.

Far better to give more to those that need it than give the same amount to everyone though.

 

[BoldonLad]

Why was it cruel? Why do people deserve the payment based on age rather than income? It was a stupid policy that got brought in as a temporary measure and suddenly became an entitlement

Rather like the £10 Christmas bonus, another "prudent Gordon" freebie?

The WFA (another "prudent Gordon" invention) was in place, as a universal payment, to all intents and purposes, part of the State Pension, for 27 years, some "temporary" measure.

State Pension, Pension Credits, Attendance Allowance, and, probably more which I am aware of all have age as a criteria for entitlement.

 

[BoldonLad]

Far better to give more to those that need it than give the same amount to everyone though.

If that is "justified" for WFA, why not for all of the other None Means tested benefits?

 

[BoldonLad]

Can you at least wait until tomorrow before flouncing about what is or isn't funded?

In the interview with Reeves I saw (BBC News), I thought she said that she would be explaining how it was to be funded, in the next Budget, dont think that is tomorrow.

 

[First Aspect]

Fair enough, but probably there will be enough clues. They won't be able to obfuscate for that long either way. The speculation (albeit only a billion) will build pressure.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Why would any government allow undercut its own workforce, unless it is in cahoots with international big business.

Generally people are poorer in the UK than they were when I was a kid. Even on my very modest wage back then, was able to save and buy a terraced house when I was 20 years old.

It doesn't.

Next?

 

[Bromptonaut]

Or maybe lefties contemplating how Labour will do against Reform in upcoming elections? 😉

The next one that matters is 4 years off.

Labour need to take their eyes of their navel and look to the future.

My guess is Farage will have fallen out with Reform long before 2029.

See his political history.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Rather like the £10 Christmas bonus, another "prudent Gordon" freebie?

The WFA (another "prudent Gordon" invention) was in place, as a universal payment, to all intents and purposes, part of the State Pension, for 27 years, some "temporary" measure.

State Pension, Pension Credits, Attendance Allowance, and, probably more which I am aware of all have age as a criteria for entitlement.

Way pre-dates Brown I think.

 

[Psamathe]

Why was it cruel? Why do people deserve the payment based on age rather than income? It was a stupid policy that got brought in as a temporary measure and suddenly became an entitlement

I can see your point but there is also an aspect that elderly are more affected by the cold, more likely to be at home all day & night.

As to whether younger low income justify the WFA, one would have to know more details of what other support they get under what circumstances, etc. and I don't know that.

I accept there may be a case for others to receive WFA in addition to elderly but that doesn't justify removing it from pensioners, rather potentially making it available to more.

Ian