(08 Jan 2019, 9:49 pm)Adrian wrote The Gentleman in the article has been sanctioned. Its alright people suggesting that others live within their means, but he has gone 13 weeks without a penny. Its no good suggesting people need to live within their means, when they've been kicked square in the bollocks by Government policy. I couldn't live in the JSA rate of £73.10 a week - my weekly travel would be over a third of that alone!
Andreos1 highlights a good point, and its worth looking closely at what this scheme is. The Stagecoach scheme is national, and is part of the Government scheme. It is available from months 3-9 of being signed on when aged 18-24, and months 3-12 when over 25. Once you hit the upper limits in each age bracket, you are automatically referred on to the Work Programme. You are not eligible to hold one of these cards when on the Work Programme. So we don't know that he is 'entitled' to it - its an assumption. Once on the Work Programme, there'll be discretionary reimbursement of reasonable expenses (such as bus fares) associated with finding work. This does not include your travel to the Job Centre, as it is seen as your own responsibility. I accept that it is, but come on, at least give people a level playing field.
I don't see the relevance of questioning shopping habits. There's someone here who has gone without any income for 13 weeks, and his 24 mile journey on foot out of necessity, is highlighting the importance of good quality public transport to all communities. They're a lifeline for many to reach education, employment and other vital local services. We should be making the case for proper funding for services, not trying to justify the removal of them.
Therein lies another inconsistency in the article. It’s introduction sets out Mr Taylor’s inability to afford the bus fare is directly due to being sanctioned. Yet a few paragraphs later it says he had made the journey ‘20 or 30 times’. Is he consistently being sanctioned? If so why’s he walking there anyway? Or is The Guardian misleading us? Just like how I accept there’s no evidence either way on Mr Taylor’s current entitlement to a Jobseekers Travelcard, as the author doesn’t address the issue altogether. She’s either not done her research or is intentionally trying to exegerate jobseeker’s hardship.
I agree shopping habits are irrelevant. Another forum user suggested it would be hard to afford a £3.50 (or even £7) fare. I made a reasonable suggestion how one could save such a sum.
I am an avid believer in the social necessity of community bus services and as such could argue all day long to save route 30. Access to public services and employment is key to that argument. However, this particular article, from this particular author, is poor.