Many times we have heard minimum wage/social wage mentioned.I know they were both aired at the Newcastle event I attended.
What follows is a post from another site but permission been given to use it.
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Firstly , anyone not agree that the current benefit system needs replacing to reflect our changed needs ?
Good , let me introduce the concept of the Social Wage.
Who for ? The elderly , the disabled ( higher rate DLA & AA ) and their carers.
What would it replace ? State Pension DLA AA Carers Allowance Income support Carers Premium & any others directly related.
Level of Social Wage ? A percentage of the average wage , rising with average earnings. The politics involved will be the actual percentage applied. Try 50% as a starter , an additional 20% if any claimant fell under more than one category , per category .
Benefit ? At long last , a simple system which , is not only fair , but instantly removes the stigma of claiming benefits in the first place , and ensures that monies go to the claimant rather than dangled in front of them ( eg. current take up of benefits ).
How funded ? Variety of ways open , I leave that to the economists amongst posters BUT don't shoot down the concept because , on initial calculations , too costly. Try NI contributions towards a Social Wage ... the initial concept of NI is , perhaps , 40 years past it's sell by date ?
Initial soundings across 'Carer' disability forums have been favourable , how about the politicos and others on this Forum.
You never know , it could be a real vote winner !
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Any comments on above??