Quote Originally Posted by dontpushme View Post
It sounds like many people here are upset by the article. Maybe I just don't get this whole issue and why people are so upset, but I definitely understand and can sympathise with the people who are for the change in requirements. After all, if someone can't afford to support himself and a spouse/family/dependent in the UK, why put the cost of their day-to-day expenses on the taxpayers' shoulders? It wouldn't be fair at all to expect taxpayers to give a monthly paycheck to someone who can then decide to bring in more people since he doesn't have to work harder to support more people anyway.

Personally, I prefer how things are done here in the Philippines, where people live by the strength of their backs and we don't have people popping out 7 babies and living in £1M homes that the taxpayers have to pay for. It's just logical, isn't it? If one can't support his family in one country, he should move to a country where his money goes a longer way.

I really don't think this change in requirements will affect too much the people who are able to support themselves without dipping into public funds. Besides, it's not as if the law will actually prevent anyone from building futures together. All this means is that folks will have to find alternatives, like moving to their spouse's country instead. Feelings of entitlement aside, each person has a choice of where they want to live, and if they can't afford to live in a certain country, it's not everyone else's responsibility to make it so they can.

As for the language issue, it's also just common sense to ensure that one's spouse/dependent can get around in the UK without too much trouble, isn't it? When my Matt and I had just started letting people know that we were a couple, one of the most common questions he was asked was, "How do you understand each other?". It was insulting to have people automatically assume that my being a Filipina meant that I'd have bad grammar and a thick accent, but I'll admit that those questions were fair. It's only in your spouse's best interests that he/she take up English classes before moving to the UK.
A very good post ..a rep on its way....unfortunately many have been claiming benefits for years for this that and the other and actually think its a God given right.

Where's I was brought up to expect nothing from nobody....if I cant get, its my problem, my fault, not the goverment.

Even so, the sliding kiddie scale needs some explaining on what the reasons are for these extortionate amounts.

Joe has already reeled off a list of benefits including free solicitors etc....surely isn't this the reason why this base amount is supposedly being brought in.