Teenage benefits

Leni · 04-02-2006, 05:35 PM

Its my first post on this forum.
Perhaps this relates to the sex education post
I believe that in England the benefits system allows teenage parents to receive benefits that can sometimes include council homes and financial assistance. I wonder who is to blame if these parents take full advantage of this system? After all, do the rules not say that they are entitled these benefits? Teenage parents don't make the rules so how can it be wrong for them to take advantage of them?

had_enough · 04-02-2006, 05:51 PM

Here is another spanner in the works....parents who claim benefits for the kids....how much of this money is actually spent on the kids and not on fags and boose ...must not forget drugs.

**Will** · 04-02-2006, 06:11 PM

Question is, what do you do about it? Apart from offering vouchers instead of money (something which if I remember correctly is unworkable, at least when used for immigrants) for food and such, what do you do about it?

BTW Leni.......

had_enough · 04-02-2006, 07:33 PM

Vouchers are a good idea, IF they are thoroughly thought out.
Parents could fill in a form when claiming, listing if the kid catches a bus to school, or needs clothing etc and the appropiate vouchers will be issued.

I dont think there is any other way to monitor how the money is spent.

Bruv · 04-02-2006, 11:43 PM

Leni you ask that you believe in England....does that mean you are NOT in England?
The benifit system is there as a safety net to help people in dire straits, but due to its being as good as a poorly paid young person's expected wage, it has become a way of life for many.Low expectation,poor self esteem,these people become locked into the system.Any attempt to move them off benifit or to pay them in food stamps or similar is seen as demeaning or against their human rights.
It is a sad reflection on todays society that a generation has grown up knowing they can escape from parental homes simply by becoming pregnant,and with a bit of work on the blackmarket can mantain a fairly good lifestyle.
It will need a bold government to alter that mindset.