Government wins first benefit cap vote

[T_i_B]

Bad news as this is (as per usual) an incredibly bad idea.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16675314

The government has won the first of several votes on its controversial plans for a £26,000 annual cap on benefits paid to families.

Peers voted by 250 to 222 to reject a Labour call to exempt people considered at risk of homelessness from the cap.

They are now debating a call by bishops to exempt child benefit from the overall cap.

[LeftishBrit]

1. Depressing. But at least they were defeated on the child benefit vote

[T_i_B]

4. One small ray of hope I suppose.

It's quite clear however, that the government is not interested in helping anyone who's fallen on hard times.

Of course I'd like the Government to spend less on housing benefit but that means building more housing, raising wages, and actually having jobs for people to do. None of which the government is very keen on. There's also the likely effect of this policy to push anyone who's fallen on hard times out of any halfway desirable area. Dame Shirley Porter would be proud I'm sure.

I also think that housing benefit could be better administrated but capping benefits won't acheive that.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. But loses the amendment to exclude child benefit from the calculation

Same link. However:

But Work and Pensions Secretary Duncan Smith has said any defeats will be overturned when the legislation returns to the Commons.

[fedsron2us]

3. I am afraid their Lordships are playing right into Camerons hands here.

The opinion polls show the £26000 cap is backed by over 50% of the Liberal Democrat and Labour parties own supporters. Rightly or wrongly many working families that are struggling with declining real wages and higher taxes don't see why families who dont have anyone working should enjoy a higher net income than themselves. The Tories are happy to spin this issue out because they know they are batting on a winning wicket. They will be delighted to take the issue back to the Commons where it will cause their opponents more problems. Miliband would be far better advised to keep his powder dry and take on the government over their proposed NHS reforms where Tory proposals are going to be far less popular with the public at large.

[dipsydoodle]

5. Benefit cap to see rise in applicants per job from 23 to 2.68 million

With unemployment rising and the number of job vacancies decreasing, critics have warned that the government’s proposed benefit cap could see the average number of applicants per job increase from 23 to about 2.68 million.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith insists that the current system means that there is little incentive for people to seek employment, but critics have claimed that actual jobs being available are also vital when it comes to finding work.

“In principle, encouraging people to find work is something that few people will argue with,” said Professor of Unpopular Opinions, Dr Evan Jessop.

“However, a major factor in someone’s ability to become employed is the existence of a job to become employed in.”

http://newsthump.com/2012/01/24/benefit-cap-to-see-rise-in-applicants-per-job-from-23-to-2-68-million/