This latest briefing from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation published (H/T Lib Con) gives a very good summary of working age benefits, who gets them, how much they get, and the problems that exist for people trying to claim these benefits.
There is an entrenched vilification, ignorance and stigmatisation of benefit claimants, so many lies peddled and myths made the result being the poor become scapegoat for this economic crisis created by the banking sector. Oh what a tangled web of lies is weaved! Language that fans the flames of hate, the constant shrill of “benefit scroungers” headlines, along with other rubbish spouted by politicians, aided and abetted by a right-wing populist media who seem delighted in dredging up any story that screams “fraud”…..
Examples of total ignorance, Ed Miliband thinks Incapacity Benefit still exists while Andrew Marr (ignoramus of the blog world as well!) thinks people still receive Invalidity Benefit! If you want to attack people at least get the facts correct!!
Frankly, I would really encourage every politician and media pundit to read this briefing.
The thing that I find most sad is that quite few left-wingers and people who should know better are being taken in by the lies. I’ve come across deaf and disabled people, fortunate enough to get a breakthrough into work, talking about ‘the work-shy’ and a ‘lifestyle choice.’ It’s so much easier to blame people than it is to match them up with suitable work.
Hi Tim, I totally agree. The lies and myths have permeated society, it’s so easy to blame the powerless and power in this society as opposed to the powerful and ones who created this economic mess!
To be fair to Ed M Incap is still about according to directgov:- http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/financialsupport/dg_10016082
Oh – and quite a few people use ‘small i’ incapacity benefits to cover ESA etc!
But your words are wise in general…
Keep unemployment artificially high and then demonize the people who can’t find jobs. It’s an old game.
Yes, and it’s divide and rule as well.