My heart bleeds

An article in The Guardian today about how 'low' benefit rates in the UK are.

Not.

The writer missed the point that the rate mentioned is not intended for those living permanently on it; it's to tide people over between jobs.

There's often little difference between the whole benefits 'package' - including rent allowances, free dental treatment, free prescriptions, no work related expenses etc - and working for minimum wage, while for others rates can actually be generous.

That bloke who's not able to work but is otherwise capable is getting at least £200 a week. Add another £40 for a moderate disability - perhaps he walks with the aid of a stick.

That perfectly healthy person who is 60 and has a decent flat - probably on £240 a week.

That lone parent of one child living in a two bedroom flat - she'll be on £250 rising by almost £60 for each additional child.

And she can get an extra £25 with a p/t job.

These are the people making up the majority of those permanently on benefits and they all get more than someone on Minimum Wage who has expenses they don't.


It's obviously not ideal living on benefits but I hate this comparison to "average" wage levels when the vast majority of people don't even get close to so called average wage levels.