(08 Jan 2019, 4:25 pm)Andreos1 wrote If he only changed his shopping habits (that we have no idea about), then he can afford the half price bus fares, (that we have no idea whether he knows about)...
...Meanwhile in the real-world, we have people who can't afford shopping, so rely on foodbanks to get by.
(08 Jan 2019, 5:07 pm)James101 wrote Agreed; he should research support available and try to live within his means. As we all should.
As the article states, his appointments are changing to fortnightly rather than weekly. If Jobseeker’s Allowance or it’s equivalent is around £144/fortnight that means he’s expected to save just 2.5% of this for his half price return bus ticket. He is welcome to use his bi-weekly visit to Huntingdon to do whatver else he likes; regardless of shopping habits, do you not agree there’s probably something else he can do in town to bolster the efficiency of his travel spend?
It’s the sign of a decent society that we help those fallen on hard times. What do you suggest is the best thing the state could do to help Mr Taylor?
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.