tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192922.post1034426848083358695..comments2024-03-26T07:51:43.186+00:00Comments on Mabinogogiblog: Unemployment - an irrational, unnecessary social evilDocRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08903964792092284406noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192922.post-85784914294858224142009-05-14T14:41:00.000+01:002009-05-14T14:41:00.000+01:00I think I probably did not explain myself very wel...I think I probably did not explain myself very well. I did not mean do away with means testing for calculating the amount of benefit due but make the things that are free to those who receive means testing benefits free to everyone. Those are things such as dentistry, prescriptions, eye testing,freeschool meals My wondering about this is because a pensioner friend of my parents was complaining about their dentistry bill at a NHS dentist and their observation that other people (on benefits) were getting the same treatment free. It seems to me that a relatively small amount of money would give everyone free NHS dentistry and free prescriptions etc. It seem sensible to me that a reasonable health system and things that benefit everyone , such as well insulated buildings, school meals ,should be free to everyone if they want them and it would also be less devisive in society as everyone would get them. This is also the attractic feature of a CI. People should also have the choice to use private treatments,schools, contracters etc if they have the money/ choose to spend it in that way in my view.<br />RobRobBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09950201225511835768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192922.post-64322405421696568562009-05-14T07:58:00.000+01:002009-05-14T07:58:00.000+01:00Hi Rob
I agree that means testing is a problem, bu...Hi Rob<br />I agree that means testing is a problem, but on the other hand, there is the matter of benefit fraud which is tied in with this. CI in its pure form does away with a lot of the costly admin work that goes into determining who gets benefits. I think abolition of means testing would need a lot of detailed thinking through.<br />Cheers RichardDocRichardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08903964792092284406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192922.post-47097799916584852982009-05-13T21:57:00.000+01:002009-05-13T21:57:00.000+01:00Another back door step towards a BI and a step tow...Another back door step towards a BI and a step towards a more inclusive society would I think be to make all the benefits that are free to those who receive benefits free to everyone without means testing. This would stop the resentment and, usually false,belief, amongst many, that those receiving benefit are better off than those in low paid work or pensioners with a small additional income. In addition this could include things such as free insulation and maintenance to keep that insulation up to standard, heating grant in winter,coupons for a certain amount of free public transport etc.RobBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09950201225511835768noreply@blogger.com