Real life Vicky Pollards

[LalaMimi]

The situation is quite complex.

There are loads of reasons that young girls (and boys) are having under aged sex and are getting pregnant. Like, many young people who are growing up in broken homes, where the father is not present, for a whole amount of reasons. Or there is a very poor relationship between parent and child.

I think there is lack of love and understanding (thus, so many girls choose to have babies, to fill in the gaps of any emotional inadequacies or self esteem issues). I also think that young people are over stimulated and are almost forced to grow up far too quickly. Kids know far too much. But, there is the immaturity that they have, as well as a lack of adequate awareness (of the risks and implications of their behaviour) and proper social skills.

Another problem, is that it is difficult to influence young people into doing the sensible thing, because they think they know it better and can do what they wanna do. No one can tell them otherwise, as they can only provide guidance, leaving the youngster to make up their own mind.

I agree that there should be more happening to encourage young women and single mothers to carry on with getting some education to help gain future prospects.

I think unemployment benefits should be given for a certain amount of time and then they get stopped or reduced - similar to what happens in Spain.

[voltaires_priest]

I think some people in this thread need to listen to themselves and wonder just what they sound like... and to actually gather some facts before they start pontificating on the basis of press-led nonsense.

"Chavvy backgrounds"?! Jeezus Ghaz, you taken out a sub to the Daily Mail or something?

Also, it's worth pointing out in answer to the point about disability, that Incapacity Benefit claimaints outnumber JSA claimants in the UK by more than 2 to 1. On the time limit issue, if someone can tell me how a benefit clampdown will bring back the car factories in the West Midlands, the coal mines in Wales, the steel industry, textiles, or any other industry that's in long-term decline in the UK, then I'll tell all the unemployed workers who spent 20 years in those industries to get off their arses and look for work.

Until then, let's lay off the sub-tabloid level policymaking, huh?



V

[LalaMimi]

where did the word Chav actually come from? I have always wondered that.

[voltaires_priest]

Originally Posted by Ghazala

Cut the benefits off I say!

Oh, OK it's all about how they dress is it...

[LalaMimi]

The benefits system is unjust - The IB system is totally abused because so many people can't get off the benefits, because they have become reliant on getting their rent/mortgage/council tax etc, paid for and they can't afford to get off benefits.. because for those who are not skilled or have a certain educational standard, they are likely to start from the bottom, which is getting like at least 7,000 quid per annum.. they simply can't afford to work after living on benefits.

I know someone who has learning difficulties and does not get any disability benefits.. but does get Income Support and they are on an absolute pittance, something like around 30 quid per week (as well as getting their housing etc paid for) - but they prefer that to working in say Tescos or Wilkos stacking the shelves for over 180 quid - some people just can't manage responsibility of having a job and then budgeting, which could be because of so many issues. Thus it is easier that things like rent etc get paid for and then they have a roof over their heads - that is enough for them.

[Ghazala]

I stand by my comments & you don't need to suggest that I read the muck that is The Daily Mail.

It is clear on most high streets in London & I personally know a large number of people who choose to live in this way. 'Why should I work when I am paid to stay at home' is a common thing that people say. Especially when they have limited or no skills at all. I am not just talking about people born/raised here; chavs came into it because of the article & we were just laughing about it. I am talking about people who have come from Morocco on spousal visas & neither they or their husbands have EVER worked. After the passport is in the bag, suddenly everyone is single (but not really). Oh, and sick with depression or an injury following a fake fall. Two council properties, one rented out illegally, plus all the passport benefits. Hands up everyone who knows a family like this eh? Turns my stomach & I tell them so too. There is no reason for this or do you think that this or any country is obliged to support families where people take a conscious decision NOT to work for no good reason but laziness?

The fact is that there is a sub-culture of serial benefits claimants. We are not talking about people who cannot find work. We are talking about people with no interest in ever working. I did distinguish people who are physically or mentally incapable of work. I also suggested training AND subsidised childcare during studies AND when in employment for low-income families.

As for Incapacity benefit - levels are higher partly because it is a non-means tested benefit. There are other requirements which means that more people are eligible - for example, you do not need to be a single parent. Also, do not forget those with low means who can get incapacity benefit in conjunction with other means-tested benefits. Therefore a larger group of people are eligible. Also the amounts are higher. I do however agree that the system of IB is open to abuse with fraudulent claims. In fact, the entire benefits system needs an overhaul.