You can make an anonymous report of benefit fraud, @Paul B3, as it sounds like you may have cause to question your neighbour's claim. It does help those that are actually entitled to claim benefits as well.
This thread does look to contain more tension than I realised when I first posted and I may have inadvertently helped derail it somewhat. Sorry for that. Let's move on.
Maybe it's time a moderator closes this discussion before it reaches the Godwin point?
Why? Two contributors are having handbags at 20 paces, hardly World War 3. Aren't people allowed to disagree, even strongly?
The observation about the 'scumbag family' reminded me of an incident relayed to me by a colleague when I was at DWP. He had gone out for lunch and was a couple of hundred yards from the office, round a corner so out of sight of the office. He was passed by a guy walking perfectly normally, with a pair of crutches over his shoulder, heading in the direction of the office. Intrigued, my colleague stopped to watch what happened. Just before the guy got to the corner he stopped, set himself on the crutches, and 'struggled' around the corner presumably heading for a medical assessment. It does happen; it is a very small minority; if they are caught their benefit should be stopped permanently - no second chance.
We do seem to have moved a long way from a wrecked hedge don't we.
I'd agree with KT53. I think it's fairly obvious what Paul meant, but hey , that's how it often happens. I think many of us are aware of [and probably know] the type of people he was referring to. I know some who screw the system, and have done so for decades, but I also know plenty who work hard, but are stuck in a cycle of low paid work and are struggling to keep on an even keel. I certainly didn't take offence to his comment, and I've also had need to claim benefits in the past, for a period of time [all my money tied up in a joint property, and having to get away from my violent partner in the clothes I stood up in] It probably doesn't help the OP at all, or address the original question though, but what it does show is that it's easy for something which starts as a 'niggle' , to quickly escalate and become something much bigger. It's human nature to get a bit worked up, but let's be adults about it
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I was simply referring to a local family who have not , nor ever had any intention of working for a living , and contributing to the system .
I have recently upgraded to a newer car , but through taxation I am inadvertently helping to keep 'theirs' on the road as well !
You have to laugh though sometimes , they even have the gall to employ the services of a valeting company to thoroughly clean 'our' vehicle !
I also claimed benefits for a short time many years ago whilst 'inbetween' jobs ; think it was for around three-months , during which time I had several visitors from the (then) DHSS to make sure I was actively looking for work .
That was back in the early 1990's ; since going into partnership I have never looked back . It can be very hard physical work sometimes , but financially fairly rewarding .
I have no debts nor mortgage , no credit cards owing ; everything we own has been bought and paid for in cash (including the car) .
I do genuinely sympathise with valid claimants , but cannot abide those who wantonly defraud the system and then blatantly advertise the fact !
If anyone on the forum was offended , that was not the idea at all .
In an attempt to get back to the original purpose of the thread - most hedges will recover given time. It will take longer at this time of year because there is very little growth.
Posts
Hope they don't share a hedge..............
I certainly didn't take offence to his comment, and I've also had need to claim benefits in the past, for a period of time [all my money tied up in a joint property, and having to get away from my violent partner in the clothes I stood up in]
It probably doesn't help the OP at all, or address the original question though, but what it does show is that it's easy for something which starts as a 'niggle' , to quickly escalate and become something much bigger. It's human nature to get a bit worked up, but let's be adults about it
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...