Register  |   Log In  |  
Sign up to our weekly newsletter    
Follow us on   
Search   
Forum Home Register for Free! Log In Moderator Tickets FAQ Users Online

RE: The British Politics Thread

  		Logged in as: Guest
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [On Another Note...] >> News and Hot Topics >> RE: The British Politics Thread Page: <<   < prev  150 151 [152] 153 154   next >   >>
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 9:46:01 AM   
MrsFinkelstein


Posts: 150
Joined: 29/2/2012
I agree the NHS should not be allowed to stagnate, but I don't believe this is the way to do it, this won't improve standards, but will increase more fragmented care and won't improve quality. GPs will not be able to administer this budget, and will farm it out to administrators which will charge a fortune and create another level of bureaucracy.

All the latest figures show the UK actually spends less on healthcare than the US, France, Germany, so for the size of it, it does it's job pretty well. If we spent as much as France for example, I have no doubt the NHS would be superb. If we spent the same as the US we'd be living like Kings!!!

http://liberalconspiracy.org/2009/08/14/uk-v-usa-the-basic-healthcare-facts/

(in reply to Flatulent_Bob)
Post #: 4531
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 9:50:04 AM   
Flatulent_Bob


Posts: 7790
Joined: 30/9/2005
I didn't realise we were adopting the American healthcare system?

_____________________________

I'm your huckleberry...

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.


Oh my God! They banned Kenny!


(in reply to MrsFinkelstein)
Post #: 4532
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 9:54:56 AM   
elab49


Posts: 51590
Joined: 1/10/2005
No, we were just adopting their failing free schools system - until Gove realised they were a mess and started to pretend he meant Scandinavia all the time. And is now ignoring results from there. 

I don't think anyone would suggest the NHS is perfect and couldn't do with a well-thought out change - but this wasn't trailed, wasn't voted on and will hive vast amounts of public money into the private sector NOT for provision but because GPs aren't competent to handle these budgets or to make decisions with respect to priorities in tertiary care or local care in mental health without a hell of a lot of privately provided admin. So much for getting rid of the managers - it's just another tithe on NHS budgets already undermined by PFI. Hell - GP practices can't even consistently handle basic invoicing IMO - some of them still hand write the bloody things!

But then that isn't what GPs are for - they are there to provide good quality primary care. My other half is in hospital today for invasive testing - the GP was concerned, the testing arranged very promptly, dropped him off at 8.15am, will probably be picking him up in less than an hour. The NHS CAN work.


< Message edited by elab49 -- 21/3/2012 9:56:45 AM >

_____________________________

Lips Together and Blow - blogtasticness and Glasgow Film Festival GFF13!

Films watched 2012

What are your top 10/25 films of 2012? Vote in the forum Annual Poll now! Deadline is Sunday.

(in reply to Flatulent_Bob)
Post #: 4533
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 10:02:38 AM   
MrsFinkelstein


Posts: 150
Joined: 29/2/2012
The GPs couldn't even cope with dealing with the administration of the swine flu vaccination programme last winter, and had the responsibility for that removed and returned to central Govt - just after Lansley had announced his vision for the NHS.

They are not administrators or economists - why expect them to act like them then?

< Message edited by MrsFinkelstein -- 21/3/2012 10:04:01 AM >

(in reply to elab49)
Post #: 4534
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 2:01:17 PM   
great_badir


Posts: 4172
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: A breaking rope bridge in the middle of the jungle
quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49
The NHS CAN work.


Agreed. For every negative story (and, admittedly, some of them are REALLY bad - I myself have been personally aware of two major NHS cock-ups which resulted in two people - a good friend of mine and my best mate's dad [unrelated events] - dying unnecessarily) that hits the headlines, there are tens plus of positive things that never get mentioned. I know when my dad was in the later stages of leukemia and pretty much confined to a hospital bed for six weeks or so, the docs and nurses at the Bristol Royal Infirmary were amazing.


_____________________________

FAVE FILMS
BO BOMBS

(in reply to elab49)
Post #: 4535
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 4:21:26 PM   
Spaldron


Posts: 10487
Joined: 6/10/2006
From: Chair
 So, any thoughts on the latest clusterfuck.........erm, I mean Budget?

_____________________________

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked and behold, a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was Death
And Hell followed with him.

(in reply to great_badir)
Post #: 4536
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 4:47:26 PM   
Goodfella


Posts: 15032
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: North Devon
quote:

ORIGINAL: Spaldron

So, any thoughts on the latest clusterfuck.........erm, I mean Budget?


Yes, no rise of duty on alcohol. So at least we can all stay reasonably drunk through the rest of this clusterfuck of government leadership.

_____________________________

"It is the Shawshank Redemption! Just with more tunneling through shit and less fucking redemption."

Last Film Watched: Flight ****


(in reply to Spaldron)
Post #: 4537
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 4:55:01 PM   
superdan


Posts: 7227
Joined: 31/7/2008

quote:

ORIGINAL: Goodfella


quote:

ORIGINAL: Spaldron

So, any thoughts on the latest clusterfuck.........erm, I mean Budget?


Yes, no rise of duty on alcohol. So at least we can all stay reasonably drunk through the rest of this clusterfuck of government leadership.


Sorry to disappoint, but alcohol will be going up 2% above inflation.

(in reply to Goodfella)
Post #: 4538
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 5:06:08 PM   
Goodfella


Posts: 15032
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: North Devon
quote:

ORIGINAL: superdan


quote:

ORIGINAL: Goodfella


quote:

ORIGINAL: Spaldron

So, any thoughts on the latest clusterfuck.........erm, I mean Budget?


Yes, no rise of duty on alcohol. So at least we can all stay reasonably drunk through the rest of this clusterfuck of government leadership.


Sorry to disappoint, but alcohol will be going up 2% above inflation.


Facebook fools, not reading Osbourne's red book of doom properly!

Well we are well and truly fucked then!

I honestly don't know what else to say on that matter to be honest, we all knew what was coming.

_____________________________

"It is the Shawshank Redemption! Just with more tunneling through shit and less fucking redemption."

Last Film Watched: Flight ****


(in reply to superdan)
Post #: 4539
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 5:11:48 PM   
boaby

 

Posts: 2788
Joined: 29/12/2006
From: Aberdeenshire
 I'll enjoy the impotent anger of smokers this weekend. 37p. Oohya phucker. That'll sting.

Good to see pensioners getting screwed and rich people getting a tax break.

Folk up here seem initially chuffed that Gideon has noticed that oil companies are too powerful to bleed more from than they deem acceptable.

_____________________________

"Aberdonians, and with some degree of purpose and right on their side, have absolute contempt for Glasgow. There is a side of Aberdonians who, let's be absolutely honest about this, feel so superior to Glasgow that you can measure it by the yard."

(in reply to Goodfella)
Post #: 4540
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 5:15:00 PM   
elab49


Posts: 51590
Joined: 1/10/2005
I noticed the broadband thing seems to have gone from the UK's 10 biggest cities to a slightly more random 10 UK cities with 3 of the top 10 omitted. Also the really heavily lobbied interests in oil (as Boaby mentions above) and TV/animation production have gotten a nod as well (so Aardmann should stay in the UK - hurrah!).

I guess it will come down to how effective the tax avoidance measures are and some of the fine detail for small businesses and accounting. Those just seem to be headlines at the moment.

Also, I'm very glad those electric cigs worked for my dad - as a pensioner there's no way he could afford to keep smoking.



_____________________________

Lips Together and Blow - blogtasticness and Glasgow Film Festival GFF13!

Films watched 2012

What are your top 10/25 films of 2012? Vote in the forum Annual Poll now! Deadline is Sunday.

(in reply to boaby)
Post #: 4541
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 5:35:55 PM   
DancingClown


Posts: 3562
Joined: 8/1/2006
From: The Lot
 I'm not gonna be robbed of our Child Benefit after-all it seems. A thin silver lining.

_____________________________

Astronomic Tune Boy

'The town knew darkness, and darkness was enough.'

"Storm just bleeewwww me away..."

(in reply to elab49)
Post #: 4542
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 8:57:32 PM   
Rebenectomy


Posts: 5533
Joined: 20/1/2008
From: 10-0-11-0-0 by 0-2
 Budget Calculator: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17442946?b=3&w=10&c=5&s=0

My husband and I will be around £500 a year worse off in 2012/13. I assumed this would be on account of being smokers, but even if we give that up (very likely) it doesn't equate to all that much, not being especially heavy smokers. The changes to tax credits is what's really going to hit us hard come April..

< Message edited by Rebenectomy -- 21/3/2012 8:58:41 PM >

_____________________________

TARDIS = Time And Relative Digestives In Space

(in reply to DancingClown)
Post #: 4543
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 9:32:03 PM   
DJ Satan


Posts: 8602
Joined: 26/10/2005
From: White Vaart Lane
 About £200 a year better off here. All in all a good, responsible budget.

_____________________________

Don't try to tell me that some power can corrupt a person
You hadn't had enough to know what it's like
You're only angry cause you wish you were in my position
Now nod your head cause you know that I'm right..alright!

(in reply to Rebenectomy)
Post #: 4544
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 9:49:20 PM   
Hood_Man


Posts: 11272
Joined: 30/9/2005
My mate just sent me this


(in reply to DJ Satan)
Post #: 4545
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 9:55:20 PM   
Spaldron


Posts: 10487
Joined: 6/10/2006
From: Chair
quote:

ORIGINAL: Hood_Man

My mate just sent me this




Amazing.

_____________________________

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
And I looked and behold, a pale horse
And his name that sat on him was Death
And Hell followed with him.

(in reply to Hood_Man)
Post #: 4546
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 10:41:34 PM   
Hood_Man


Posts: 11272
Joined: 30/9/2005
I can't say I've been all that impressed with Ed Miliband so far, but I'm watching Newsnight right now and I loved it when he stood up and basically went "Ok everyone, shows of hands who's benefitted from this, come on, raise your hands" to the Government.

That was hilarious

(in reply to Spaldron)
Post #: 4547
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 10:50:34 PM   
Super Hans


Posts: 2291
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Watford
quote:

ORIGINAL: Spaldron


quote:

ORIGINAL: Hood_Man

My mate just sent me this




Amazing.




I did the budget calculator thing on the BBC sute, I'm apparently £314 better off, mostly on account of income tax I think. Not sure if my entry for booze intake was exactly accurate, but given that I don't smoke and spend relatively fuck all on petrol, I suppose it's believable.

Haven't read all of the budget details (maybe tomorrow) but on first glance, hopfully I'm not too affected.

_____________________________

"Its staring at you in the face Mark, there's only one more sex to try..."

(in reply to Spaldron)
Post #: 4548
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 11:01:32 PM   
Rinc


Posts: 12515
Joined: 2/10/2005
From: A park bench, with a newspaper quilt
 I'm better off too. I don't have a car although that is offset by continual transport, food and energy costs and a lack of cost of living rise.

_____________________________

No spoilers please:

Invisiotext:
[ color=#F1F1F1 ]text[ /color ]

(in reply to Super Hans)
Post #: 4549
RE: The British Politics Thread - 21/3/2012 11:35:58 PM   
Shifty Bench


Posts: 14564
Joined: 30/9/2005
I'm unempoyed, I don't think there will be any change. Plus, my JSA is going up next month.....


(I want a job though, I'm not a scrounger)


_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b
You have a nice face, Shifty. A face I would have a cup of tea with.


quote:

ORIGINAL: porntrooper
Shifty said it best


(in reply to Rinc)
Post #: 4550
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 12:05:39 AM   
Rebenectomy


Posts: 5533
Joined: 20/1/2008
From: 10-0-11-0-0 by 0-2
 If I take off smoking and alcohol, I'm still about £375 worse off, and I don't own a car (nor does my husband, as I've done the joint submission). All because of the tax credits thing. Boooooooooo.

I think my TC were roughly £40p/m, but given that my groceries have gone up by about that much in the past few years, and my bills have all seen an increase across the board, it's a bit disheartening.

_____________________________

TARDIS = Time And Relative Digestives In Space

(in reply to Shifty Bench)
Post #: 4551
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 1:34:12 AM   
boaby

 

Posts: 2788
Joined: 29/12/2006
From: Aberdeenshire
 I'm worse off by £15. Though I bet the bus pass price goes up. Nae exactly the most comprehensive effort fae Auntie.

Add in the general price increases...

Well, it's nae really about me. I'm nae unemployed. I'm nae a public service worker, though my parents are. I'm nae soon to be retired, though I question if I ever will be. No danger I'll be earning enough in the near future to get taxed at all never mind enough to have to give 45p of any £1 back.

_____________________________

"Aberdonians, and with some degree of purpose and right on their side, have absolute contempt for Glasgow. There is a side of Aberdonians who, let's be absolutely honest about this, feel so superior to Glasgow that you can measure it by the yard."

(in reply to Rebenectomy)
Post #: 4552
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 7:18:29 AM   
sanchia


Posts: 16704
Joined: 3/1/2006
From: Norwich
 The newspapers appear to be quite vocal concerning the impact of the budget on pensioners, even the usual Tory rags.

_____________________________

Nothing to see here.



(in reply to boaby)
Post #: 4553
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 8:57:50 AM   
MrsFinkelstein


Posts: 150
Joined: 29/2/2012

quote:

ORIGINAL: sanchia

The newspapers appear to be quite vocal concerning the impact of the budget on pensioners, even the usual Tory rags.


Surprisingly so. Reaction from businesses also seem to be quite neutral, most don't seem to be jumping for joy. It was very much a typical Tory budget. And it's interesting (to me at least) that we no longer appear to be 'in this together'. Martin Lewis did leave me with a disturbing image of Gideon in drag with his analysis of the budget.

The OBR weren't overly impressed either, their analysis thought it was a bit of a gamble, he's given businesses a handout in the hope they then start putting some of their money back into the economy, but there's no guarantee they will.

(in reply to sanchia)
Post #: 4554
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 9:23:38 AM   
Flatulent_Bob


Posts: 7790
Joined: 30/9/2005
I can't see too much wrong with this budget to be honest.

The 50p tax which is getting all the headlines, isn't raising that much money and is potentially harming growth. Its not going to cost the treasury a great deal all in all so its just a headline without a great deal of substance. Plus according to the BBC yesterday it would only cost the treasury about 100 Million in lost revenue, which kind of puts it into real context.
I would suggest the closing of the loop holes, and the stamp duty increase will probably get close to covering this.

I'm not particularly happy about the impact on pensioners, and I don't see why anyone earning over 30K needs any assistance paying for their children, so I'm disappointed that hadn't been cut.

Good news on the corporation tax, and on the 9K personal allowance is excellent news for those on the lowest incomes.

There is no way this is a steal from the poor to pay the rich budget, the personal allowance alone makes that statement totally nonsensical, unless you have an agenda of course.


< Message edited by Flatulent_Bob -- 22/3/2012 10:28:14 AM >

_____________________________

I'm your huckleberry...

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.


Oh my God! They banned Kenny!


(in reply to MrsFinkelstein)
Post #: 4555
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 11:42:21 AM   
jediwarrior


Posts: 19998
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: At home eating twiglets
quote:

ORIGINAL: Spaldron

So, any thoughts on the latest clusterfuck.........erm, I mean Budget?



Yes it's all wank!! Apart from when you pay income tax going up.

Nothing done on fuel so still getting rip off at the pumps. Tossers!!! £1.39.9 I paid the other day for Petrol.

If they really wanted to get the country moving again, then they need to Reduce tax in the fuel by 10p to 15p. Also reduce train fare cost which are far too expensive. It cost me £240 on train fares a month and the GF £280 per month.
Reduce the V.A.T by 1 1/2% or put it back to 17.5%. If it costs less to travel to work people will have more money to spend. Then going out to the shops to spend that money keeps the stores making money and of course you are paying V.A.T. on those goods. The shops will need to hire more staff (as they get busier) thus taking someone off benefits and that person then starts paying tax (more money for the government). That person also then has more money to spend and so the cycle goes on.
People will travel more by cars and train if the costs go down which will also create money as we go out and visit places and spend money.

Instead the Government and Governments before just decide to stick more tax on things so the normal Joe Public can't afford f*ck all and they wonder why the Country is in debt and not moving.

_____________________________

GAMERTAG: hothtrooper

The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.

(in reply to Spaldron)
Post #: 4556
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 11:43:33 AM   
superdan


Posts: 7227
Joined: 31/7/2008

quote:

ORIGINAL: Flatulent_Bob

I can't see too much wrong with this budget to be honest.

The 50p tax which is getting all the headlines, isn't raising that much money and is potentially harming growth. Its not going to cost the treasury a great deal all in all so its just a headline without a great deal of substance. Plus according to the BBC yesterday it would only cost the treasury about 100 Million in lost revenue, which kind of puts it into real context.
I would suggest the closing of the loop holes, and the stamp duty increase will probably get close to covering this.



I understand there's a bit of debate about this, but I don't really understand it because tax law goes right over my head. One thing that confused me though is, if cutting the top tax rate won't make much difference, then doesn't that basically mean that the rich weren't paying their tax properly in the first place? Wouldn't it be better to enforce tax properly rather than letting them dodge it? Is there anything reason to assume that they'll suddenly be encouraged to start investing now since they weren't really paying 50% anyway? I honestly suspect it's just going to go straight in their pockets.

(in reply to Flatulent_Bob)
Post #: 4557
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 1:00:38 PM   
Flatulent_Bob


Posts: 7790
Joined: 30/9/2005
quote:

ORIGINAL: superdan

I understand there's a bit of debate about this, but I don't really understand it because tax law goes right over my head. One thing that confused me though is, if cutting the top tax rate won't make much difference, then doesn't that basically mean that the rich weren't paying their tax properly in the first place?

That's about the size of it.

quote:


Wouldn't it be better to enforce tax properly rather than letting them dodge it?

Which was also mentioned in the budget speech, yes they are looking the close the loopholes, and are going to give aggressive avoidance of tax a lot of focus.

quote:


Is there anything reason to assume that they'll suddenly be encouraged to start investing now since they weren't really paying 50% anyway? I honestly suspect it's just going to go straight in their pockets.

Again this will be open to opinion. I'm sure the majority of posters on here will have the super rich adding a couple of meters of depth on their Scrooge McDuck swimming pool, however the treasury have said that more than any other these earners will change their habits inorder to reduce the amount of tax paid.
It's hoped this will encourage more top paid talent to reside and work here, which coupled with the corporation tax should bring in more business, higher spendings, new jobs, etc.

It depends on what you think people who earn £150K a year do with their extra money. If you think they store is all in offshore accounts, and hide it from the taxman, never spending it then this is very bad. If you think the majority of them are senior execs/company owners who are likely to invest it in growing their companies, new opportunities then it could be a good thing.
It's a risk, that the business community might not keep its part of the deal, however if the £100 Million figure is correct, Boy George has obviously seen it as a risk worth taking.


< Message edited by Flatulent_Bob -- 22/3/2012 1:01:36 PM >

_____________________________

I'm your huckleberry...

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.


Oh my God! They banned Kenny!


(in reply to superdan)
Post #: 4558
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 1:00:51 PM   
great_badir


Posts: 4172
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: A breaking rope bridge in the middle of the jungle
quote:

ORIGINAL: superdan
Wouldn't it be better to enforce tax properly rather than letting them dodge it? Is there anything reason to assume that they'll suddenly be encouraged to start investing now since they weren't really paying 50% anyway? I honestly suspect it's just going to go straight in their pockets.


Whilst I agree with your last sentence, isn't the rest covered by the whole closing the tax loopholes thing?

I have to say that this budget is nowhere near as bad as I was expecting from the tories and Osborne, although the pensioner targets is wrong and, yet again, single people and married couples with no children getting hit yet again (and I say that as someone with a child). I know the argument is that by not having kids they are not providing for the future economy, but at the same time most of them are not having any drain on funds when it comes to having kids.

_____________________________

FAVE FILMS
BO BOMBS

(in reply to superdan)
Post #: 4559
RE: The British Politics Thread - 22/3/2012 1:03:42 PM   
Flatulent_Bob


Posts: 7790
Joined: 30/9/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: great_badir
Whilst I agree with your last sentence, isn't the rest covered by the whole closing the tax loopholes thing?

I have to say that this budget is nowhere near as bad as I was expecting from the tories and Osborne, although the pensioner targets is wrong and, yet again, single people and married couples with no children getting hit yet again (and I say that as someone with a child). I know the argument is that by not having kids they are not providing for the future economy, but at the same time most of them are not having any drain on funds when it comes to having kids.


Could you have imagined the headlines if they had cut the child benefit as well?

As stated above, I don't think anyone who earns £30K nevermind 50K needs any help from the state to raise their children.
But I totally agree with you on the pensioner stuff is harsh, and I don't really see a good reason for it.


_____________________________

I'm your huckleberry...

All the world will be your enemy, Prince of a Thousand enemies. And when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you; digger, listener, runner, Prince with the swift warning. Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people will never be destroyed.


Oh my God! They banned Kenny!


(in reply to great_badir)
Post #: 4560
Page:   <<   < prev  150 151 [152] 153 154   next >   >>
All Forums >> [On Another Note...] >> News and Hot Topics >> RE: The British Politics Thread Page: <<   < prev  150 151 [152] 153 154   next >   >>
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


 
Movie News  |  Empire Blog  |  Movie Reviews  |  Future Films  |  Features  |  Video Interviews  |  Image Gallery  |  Competitions  |  Forum  |  Magazine  |  Resources
 
Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.4.5 ANSI

0.202