2016 Budget

Yes it has done a little bit of good for IDS . I think his reasons go quite a bit further than a budget he had agreed too ( allegedly ). The resignation was too score points for another camp he is in . IDS is not a man I could trust.

 

I agree. My thoughts on the education system are well known on this forum so back on topic once again we see a budget that does nothing to address the appalling way that they are being let down. The sugar tax should have gone to recruiting better teaching stock (we have made thousands of highly skilled people redundant in the armed forces) instead of the silly "initiatives" it is heading towards.

Because you still haven't finished paying off what their education and healthcare cost? Only a few cents in every dollar of tax paid goes towards those cost. Just a thought.

As above, just a minute percentage in every tax pound goes towards that.
To clarify my thinking, children are not a statutory necessity but a lifestyle choice. Some people want a large family, others want none. So on the face of it it would be fairer for those who chose to have no children to pay less tax but in the long run we all benefit from the ongoing success of society as we get older. Similarly it is fairer on the face of it for those who chose to have children to pay more tax for longer (after the kids are grown up) to repay the state for its investment in their choice. In reality though the cost of working out a fair percentage, the administration and being sure of its fairness is not viable so that is why it is better just to balance it out across all tax payers.

I know that one only too well!

 

This is a rarity - I'm just about to defend a Tory. Make the most of it whilst you can

I've just watched the Andrew Marr show and IDS not only convinced me of the sincerity of his resignation but he also rose above the mud slinging that has emerged from within government. The thrust of his argument is that the main priority is the reduction of the deficit despite the cost to the disadvantaged and that overall tax policy is geared towards core voters.

From a personal point of view I can only delight in the (mortal?) wounds inflicted on the chancellors ambitions.

 

This deficit thing is like an obsession, and has got totally out of control in my opinion.

 

That's true, but if we invest in them properly, they will be the ones that create the jobs. It's a punt we have to take. I saw a documentary a while ago about Japan, where their super efficient work ethic that built their economy has had an unintended effect. People are breeding less, so they are becoming a top heavy population. Then the ever diminishing youth they do have are leaving Japan, because the pressure is too much and they know they can do well for less pressure elsewhere. Now they have a ticking time bomb of a problem, because they've made mistakes with their approach to investment in kids. Perhaps we are doing better, perhaps not, but as Japan saw until it's problem started to emerge, a solid investment in the youth builds a solid economy in the future.

 

I have a deficit. Due to a combination of the deficit, and interest I will accrue, I will be paying it for about 20 more years yet under my normal plan.

Or, I could severely cut the amount I spend on food, heating, entertainment for my family, and focus all my efforts on paying my mortgage off in 5 years. I'm sure my kids will still want to know me when they grow up, if their memories of childhood were of a dad that gave them absolutely nothing, made them live in a cold dark house, eating stale bread for every meal.

That's how I see the whole deficit thing. It's silly that they are obsessing over it.

 

I have thought about this too @clanless , but only because of ill health. I admire those who work past retirement, but only if they enjoy their work.
I certainly don't want to die whilst in full time employment. When you have a serious health concern, it makes you reassess. My plan is to go part-time (3 day), by the age of 55 , once one of my mortgages is paid up (providing I can manage to keep going) . I won't be better off finiancially, but I will have more money than working full time, if that makes sense. I can also pay off my other mortgage if I use some of my pension pot (if needs be). Is using the pension pot a good idea? (unsure), because I could then change my job, which I find very stressful.
For info: No kids that I know of, and worked 33 years to date (full state pension due to 35 yrs contributions). Not that it's relevant
@Beckie76 . Fancy getting stoned tonight? Less people about on a Sunday

EDIT: I was on the A5

 

Well Mr Kandy is due to retire for good in around 30 odd working days (not counting weekends) and we are both so looking forward to it to us both having worked a blxxdy long time with no time off for good behaviour

The problem is that many of our friends are saying that we shall both be bored,he will be getting under my feet and the average age of people dying after retirement is two years

Wherever do people get their ideas from I do not know but I have assured them that we are looking forward to spending more quality time together to do all the things we haven't been able to do due to work commitments (Have already started making a list of jobs that need doing that have been neglected) Mr Kandy won't be getting under my feet as he will be to busy doing the above list of tasks and when he is finished them I will give him another list

As for dying within two years we are not banking on popping our clogs any time soon if we can help it cough,cough..

I did say to one of my friends that I am going to be like them sitting on the settee watching Judge Rinder every day with a glass of Prosecco in one hand and a big bar of choccky in the other hand.Failing that I shall be on the all day long just like they are

Also might be having a few breakfasts,lunches and evening meals out like they all seem to do in my village

End of Sermon for today

 

It sounds like you have a plan @Kandy
I think it is very important to keep active when you retire. I am not sure of the 2 year thing that you mention, but it is definitely something that you hear a lot. I am not sure that I would stay particularly active, but I will certainly try . Still a long way off for me though.
It is good to hear that you are ok, despite your cough .