Another EU decision that may cost you dear, Imported tableware from China hit with new levy Options

[dannyboy]

Do children really blow up their own balloons? Don't they have staff to do that sort of thing?

Mine do.

[blackdog]

Just answering a couple of points:

... As did other countries where they have 4 hour lunch breaks (perhaps explains in part their financial problems).

Four hour lunch breaks does not mean they don't work an 8 hour day (or more). In hot countries it makes sense to go to work early, come home for lunch and siesta in the hottest part of the day and then return to work until late.

.. we have to, by "EU law" allow members into the country from EU states who wish to immigrate. They then claim benefits (okay not all of them but let's say half). Already adding to the strain of the treasurey they now have to support yet more individuals who are not actually contributing to the economy.

Immigrants from the EU are a nett benefit to the treasury, they pay far more in taxes than they (nowhere near half) collect in benefits.

This levy on Chinese ceramics imports is exactly what most anti-EU folk usually want - a measure to protect British companies and their workers from unfair competition.

[Andy Capp]

I do agree. Thing is, self confessed I am not "into" politics...

It shows!

[Andy Capp]

I found this today:

"The analysis found there were 371,000 foreign-born claimants for out-of-work benefits, out of a total 5.5 million recipients. Of these, 258,000 were from outside the European Economic Area. "

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9...n-the-dole.html

[blackdog]

I found this today:

"The analysis found there were 371,000 foreign-born claimants for out-of-work benefits, out of a total 5.5 million recipients. Of these, 258,000 were from outside the European Economic Area. "

So UK citizens are far more likely to be claiming benefit than immigrants. Not that surprising but contradicts the normal scrounging migrants spin.

Approx population of UK 62 million, of whom around 5 million are non EU migrants, 2 million EU migrants.

5.5 of 62 million claiming benefit (national average) - 8.9%
258,000 of 5 million (non EU migrants) - 5.2%
113,000 of 2 million (EU migrants) - 5.6%
5.1 of 55 million (UK nationals) - 9.3%
Migrants reduce the percentage of the population on benefits - while benefiting the UK tax payer by sharing the tax burden.

[JeffG]

What is the "European Economic Area"? Is it different from the European Union?

[On the edge]

What is the "European Economic Area"? Is it different from the European Union?

A couple of good books on how it all works were written by an Oxford graduate some years ago; Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.....

[JeffG]

Ha ha - most amusing!

[Berkshirelad]

EEA is the EU plus Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland.

Whilst not a member of EEA, Switzerland has a similar agreement with the EU

[motormad]

I found this today:

"The analysis found there were 371,000 foreign-born claimants for out-of-work benefits, out of a total 5.5 million recipients. Of these, 258,000 were from outside the European Economic Area. "

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9...n-the-dole.html

So let's say on average they receive £125 a week. (which is conservative). Some may recieve the base £51.80 or whatever a week but some are probably on £300 a week too.

£125 * 52 = Yearly income on benefits for 1 person. (x)
x * 371,000 = total cost for the benefits to people who are not even born here.

That equates to 2,411,500,000 - That's basically £2.5 BILLION a year.
An insane amount which if was not being paid, fuel duty for example could be reduced saving everyone money every day.

In addition from the article; "and don't take account of British citizens claiming benefits abroad.." So I'm pretty sure that figure could easily be £3bn.

[JeffG]

In addition from the article; "and don't take account of British citizens claiming benefits abroad.." So I'm pretty sure that figure could easily be £3bn.

How can British citizens claiming benefit abroad affect the total cost to us?

[Squelchy]

So let's say on average they receive £125 a week. (which is conservative). Some may recieve the base £51.80 or whatever a week but some are probably on £300 a week too.

£125 * 52 = Yearly income on benefits for 1 person. (x)
x * 371,000 = total cost for the benefits to people who are not even born here.

That equates to 2,411,500,000 - That's basically £2.5 BILLION a year.
An insane amount which if was not being paid, fuel duty for example could be reduced saving everyone money every day.

In addition from the article; "and don't take account of British citizens claiming benefits abroad.." So I'm pretty sure that figure could easily be £3bn.

Have a word with yourself will you? Think on.

[motormad]

How can British citizens claiming benefit abroad affect the total cost to us?

I think it refers to those living abroad who are claiming from our state.
I don't mind people on benefits who have a reason for it but the issue I personally have is where people who have emigrated here claim benefits meant for to help the British born population.

To be honest the whole benefit system needs a re-work IMO.

[massifheed]

...benefits meant for to help the British born population.

What?

Which benefits are you referring to?

[motormad]

Many things.

[massifheed]

Many things.

So, you don't know which benefits it is that you are referring to, that are only to be given to British-born citizens, but are being claimed by people who are not born in the UK?

[motormad]

I think you mis understood me.
I'm saying that I don't think benefits should be given to anyone who was not born in the UK. Not that there are specific benefits which are only given to british born people.

[JeffG]

I think it refers to those living abroad who are claiming from our state.

How can people living abroad claim UK benefits?

[motormad]

How can people living abroad claim UK benefits?

Google it.

[massifheed]

I'm saying that I don't think benefits should be given to anyone who was not born in the UK.

So someone who, in theory, has been granted UK citizenship, who has lived in this country for many years and has worked all of those years (paying tax and NI), but who finds themselves suddenly made redundant, shouldn't be able to sign on, or receive any kind of benefit in your opinion?