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Same Old Labour - AF (29th Jul 2024 - 17:49:27) Well you were warned. Pensioners losing the winter full payment. Drivers paying more for petrol. Budgets slashed so less spending on things. Public workers getting above inflation pay rises. It's only the beginning come October more tax hikes.

Re: Same Old Labour - Same old Tories (29th Jul 2024 - 19:56:07) What do you propose the country does, AF? The conservatives have left a 20 billion hole in the public finances. It needs to be filled by those with the deepest pockets, as everything else has been cut to the bone. 27% of pensioners live in millionaire households. And yet they are still on the take, claiming hardship. It’s about time these affluent, workshy benefit scroungers paid their way. Maybe they could spend less money on avocados, Telegraph subscriptions and garden centre lunches. I can see those on pension credit and other means tested benefits will be exempt from the cut, protecting most pensioners on the lowest incomes. But I can see you chose to ignore that information in your post.

Re: Same Old Labour - Joe (30th Jul 2024 - 10:09:24) A lot of pensioners would be unfit for work those that are not and need the money probably would. Sometimes if you have worked hard for 45 years or more to provide for your own retirement that does not get classed as workshy? The benefit system does need a massive review but most pensioners I know have worked hard.

Re: Same Old Labour - Pete (30th Jul 2024 - 12:06:33) sot Is that 20 billion true or did you hear it on the BBC?

Re: Same Old Labour - Paul2 (30th Jul 2024 - 14:05:57) Always best to stick with facts! The OBR advised HMT in March 24 that Department Expenditure Limits (DEL) were running to a £21.9bn deficit. That equated to a 1.74% overspend on total UK Govt expenditure. Less than 2%. That 2% is actually within normal limits, and - as you would expect - HMT then requires government departments to revise their in-year spend accordingly. But as always people will spin facts to suit the narrative. Which is why you have the current CoTEx running around saying there's a £20bn black hole and it was 'hidden'. The OBR publishes all it's reports and findings into the public domain approximately quarterly, and departments are required to submit monthly returns to HMT and answer for spending via PMQs and directly to HMT. Reports are bi-partisan as they relate to public spending (in other words, all parties and politicians have the same access to information). The OBR was established in 2010 and its remit is: "It is the duty of the Office to examine and report on the sustainability of the public finances".

Re: Same Old Labour - AF (30th Jul 2024 - 14:15:52) I know nobody reads the manifestos but did Labour mention they were going to scrap the heating allowance for pensioners. Remember pensioners need the extra money as they spend more time at home, a number have medical problems that mean the house has to be kept warmer than most people normally need and generally can't take on work or extra hours to up their income. As for taxing private education, sure they may employ a few extra teachers but are they going to be in Bohunt when the extra kids who cant stay in private education arrive in January.

Re: Same Old Labour - Paul2 (30th Jul 2024 - 14:30:35) @SOT - "27% of pensioners live in millionaire households" You have conveniently left out that the OBR and other advisory bodies qualified that statement with information you exclude here. That figure includes property as an asset. Zoopla estimates the average UK house price at £285,201 currently. 1.1% of homes in the UK are valued at £1million and above. That segment primarily comprises property in London. The average house price in Camden (NW1, NW3) as an example ranges from £1.2 million to £1.5 million. The MP for this area is the Rt Hon Sir Kier Starmer. The OBR and other bodies have stated that when property price is excluded it is NOT CORRECT to say that 27% of pensioners live in millionaire households. It is significantly less. I hope these facts assist your critical thinking.

Re: Same Old Labour - Paul2 (30th Jul 2024 - 14:37:52) @AF - in their manifesto, Labour pledged 'security in retirement' for pensioners, as follows (extracted from their published manifesto): "Our system of state, private, and workplace pensions provide the basis for security in retirement. Labour will retain the triple lock for the state pension. We will also adopt reforms to workplace pensions to deliver better outcomes for UK savers and pensioners. Our pensions review will consider what further steps are needed to improve security in retirement, as well as to increase productive investment in the UK economy"

Re: Same Old Labour - Same Old Tories (30th Jul 2024 - 15:02:55) Yes Paul. Of course the figure includes property. We have a housing stock problem in this country, partly because family homes are occupied by one or two people. Usually the same demographic opposing house building too. You shouldn’t get to hoard assets worth millions and at the same time claim poverty. I’m not sure why the Prime Minister, a man who has had a successful career both in and out of politics, having an expensive house is remotely relevant either.

Re: Same Old Labour - Paul2 (30th Jul 2024 - 15:43:56) @SOT - "You shouldn’t get to hoard assets worth millions and at the same time claim poverty". That's communism you are describing in the first part of your statement, and not factually correct in the second. "I’m not sure why the Prime Minister, a man who has had a successful career both in and out of politics, having an expensive house is remotely relevant either." I highlighted the fact that London contains the highest proportion of properties worth £1m and above. I didn't say it was his house that cost over £1 million. I provided 2 postcodes in Camden as relevant examples for average London prices.

Re: Same Old Labour - D (30th Jul 2024 - 19:05:33) So what do you want me to do, Same Old Tory? (your choice of name, I doubt you are the same old of any party). Instead of making myself skint for 25 years to pay for a house as collateral for my old age, piss my money up against the wall all my life and when it's all run out have the state pay my keep rent free?

Re: Same Old Labour - Sam (30th Jul 2024 - 21:21:13) Same Old British Citizens. Always want 5 star services on a 1 star budget, the word Tax is like kryptonite to every political party. When are we going to wake up and understand the country can’t function on a shoestring and pay up for what we actually need. This country is broke, it’s been broke for decades, it pissed all over one major economic co operation recently and it’s living in the past all the bloody time. France, higher taxes and a health service that has put the NHS to utter shame for decades, its citizens are cared for and cured by a first class system that makes the NHS look like Dr Nick from the simpson’s. You all want to eat steak, but you’re all only prepared to pay for beans, grow up ! At least now it’s truth and not the lies of the previous idiots, but cry all you want, labour is locked in big style. As the Brexit voters used to tell everyone else after the event. ITS TIME TO SHUT UP AND GET ON WITH IT

Re: Same Old Labour - Paul2 (31st Jul 2024 - 11:08:07) @Sam - even OpenSourceAI doesn't like your comment ;) Critique of the Comment: Tone and Respect: Negative and Condescending: The comment’s tone is unnecessarily aggressive and derogatory, using phrases like "Same Old British Citizens" and "grow up," which are patronizing and dismissive. Constructive criticism can be made without resorting to insults. Lacks Constructive Engagement: Instead of fostering a productive dialogue, the comment aims to belittle and insult, which is unlikely to persuade others or contribute to a meaningful discussion. Logic and Consistency: Overgeneralization: The comment makes sweeping generalizations about British citizens and political parties without acknowledging the diversity of opinions and circumstances. Not all citizens or parties are averse to taxation or demand high services on a low budget. Simplistic Comparisons: The comparison between the UK and France oversimplifies complex issues. Healthcare systems are influenced by various factors, including cultural, economic, and political contexts, which cannot be reduced to a simple tax rate comparison. Accuracy and Evidence: Lack of Evidence: The comment does not provide specific evidence or data to support its claims about the NHS, UK economy, or French healthcare system. Statements like "France, higher taxes and a health service that has put the NHS to utter shame for decades" are unsubstantiated. Economic Misconceptions: The claim that the UK has been "broke for decades" is hyperbolic and lacks nuance. Economic conditions fluctuate, and numerous factors contribute to a country’s financial status beyond simple budgetary concerns. Constructiveness: Unhelpful Conclusion: The conclusion, "ITS TIME TO SHUT UP AND GET ON WITH IT," is dismissive and counterproductive. It shuts down further discussion and ignores legitimate concerns and debates about the country’s direction and policies. Missed Opportunity for Solutions: Instead of merely criticizing, the comment could have offered constructive suggestions for improving public services or the economic situation, fostering a more solution-oriented discussion. Emotional Impact: Provocative and Alienating: The aggressive tone and derogatory language are likely to provoke anger and defensiveness rather than thoughtful consideration or productive dialogue. It alienates those who might otherwise engage in a constructive discussion about public policy and taxation.

Re: Same Old Labour - Sam (31st Jul 2024 - 11:34:54) Wow, your copy and paste skills are amazing, did you keyboard that with Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V or style it out with the mouse? Or are you an artist / creative and paid three times the money to own a Mac? Either est amazing work, seen the size of the response and read none of it

Re: Same Old Labour - Paul2 (31st Jul 2024 - 12:37:05) Ah Sam, OpenSourceAI doesn't think much of your reply either: Your sarcasm doesn’t hide the fact that you didn’t engage with the points raised. Dismissing a detailed critique with snide remarks shows you’re not interested in a serious discussion. If you have actual arguments or counterpoints, bring them on. Otherwise, throwing insults only weakens your position.

Re: Same Old Labour - Pensioner (31st Jul 2024 - 13:27:16) Well Sam as us pensioners are being hit hard what about the sick note brigade and the young people that just don’t want to work and drawing benefits they should all lose their benefits. The WFH or better WFB more like it. It’s time the government clamped down on all the huge wage demands made people get back to work stopped their benefits if they don’t take a job that they’re capable of doing like the old days. No this government wants to tax the people in work and pensioners anyone that has worked there socks off to get on they are the targets not the scroungers. Labour all over we are in for a hammering anyone that’s worked hard is in the firing line.

Re: Same Old Labour - AR (31st Jul 2024 - 14:48:32) Looks like OpenSourceAI wont be starting WW3 then, which is comforting.

Re: Same Old Labour - Dave B (31st Jul 2024 - 17:11:42) Sam, you really are the epitome of the humourless leftie obsessed with the politics of envy. Wanting social justice should not be about hating and penalising those that have succeeded in their lives. No amount of smart arse retorts can hide your inner resentment.

Re: Same Old Labour - AF (31st Jul 2024 - 20:29:35) Why cant we have a bit of honesty. Why didn't Labour say in there election campaign that the country was broke and they would do the following - Abolish Winter Fuel payments for most pensioners, stop hard working people pay for their children to go to a private school and add there children to already struggling schools, increase capital gains tax, increase inheritance tax and of course find another sneaky way to clobber private pensions. Oh and give public workers a big above inflation pay rise to help increase inflation.

Re: Same Old Labour - Pensioner (31st Jul 2024 - 21:22:58) AF because they knew that they would never get in . They conned the young voters the oldies knew what was coming been there before. They have never been honest whenever they have been in as has been said by many before look at history they always leave the country completely bankrupt. They have inherited a country going forward got past leaving the corrupt EU the economy on the up better than the EU . Trading around the world now they will blow it all to pieces.

Re: Same Old Labour - D (1st Aug 2024 - 18:49:27) So, "Same old Tories", the pensioners have had their heating allowance taken away and now they're losing interest on any life savings they may have. Does this appease your hatred of the elderly or do you want to see them all die next winter? Your disrespect of pensioners who were working hard to pay your schooling and benefits when your mother was wiping your arse is disgraceful. If you are the best five billion years of evolution has achieved then I don't think it was worth it.

Re: Same Old Labour - Sam (1st Aug 2024 - 21:52:45) One single group moaning… get over it Country is broke, your not special

Re: Same Old Labour - Truth (2nd Aug 2024 - 18:41:55) Hey Sam, nice to see you over here too .. :) Ignoring valid concerns won't solve anything. Contribute something useful. (BTW - it's "you're," not "your").

Re: Same Old Labour - Pete (3rd Aug 2024 - 08:49:32) D- Bit over dramatic isnt it. Im quite sure anyone at risk of freezing to death would be on some kind of benefit so would still get the payment.

Re: Same Old Labour - Pensioner (3rd Aug 2024 - 11:51:14) No Pete WHY should pensioners pay for the huge pay raise for the public servants. Pensioners have worked bl??? Hard all their lives and now they are an easy target it’s time the ridiculous pay raise were scrapped. The government are going about it all wrong they should be lowering benefits not paying immigrants, housing immigrants in barracks with no heating stop all this giving to other countries loads of cuts they could do before pensioners.

Re: Same Old Labour - D (3rd Aug 2024 - 12:12:22) Is that right, Pete? What benefits?

Re: Same Old Labour - Pete (4th Aug 2024 - 07:46:59) Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Re: Same Old Labour - Joe (4th Aug 2024 - 08:54:33) Pensioners are not eligible for a lot of those benefits as they are withdrawn when someone becomes of pension age. So employment based benefits do not apply.

Re: Same Old Labour - D (4th Aug 2024 - 09:05:51) Oh Pete, you really are showing your ignorance, the only benefit you list pertaining to pensioners is pensioners credit and very few get that. Maybe you should talk to pensioners instead of Google. The ignorance on this website as to what people like you think pensioners get is as inaccurate as the comments as to what "perks" public sector workers get. Getting old is a bit like cancer, no one's bothered about it until it happens to them, it always happens to someone else. When it does happen, inevitably, it's too late. But you needn't worry because you think you'll get all these state benefits. I've spent all my life working well below the national average wage and never qualified for any state benefit, so what makes people like you think pensioners have money thrown at them is beyond me. Your turn will come, Peter, your turn will come.

Re: Same Old Labour - Pensioner (4th Aug 2024 - 10:15:08) Well Pete you have a go at paying all the bills on a basic pension. My basic pension from the government for a lifetimes work is £175.35 a week ie £9118-20 a year and now they are stopping the winter fuel allowance great . This labour government is the pits they have no idea how to run a country could not organise a pi?? Up in a brewery.

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