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Autumn Statement and the "Just About Managing"

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GertrudeGrace Wed 23-Nov-16 19:45:05

When I retired not so long ago I thought it would be an opportunity to get more politically active. The political shenanigans of the last six months though have me me want to fill me head with marshmallow and fairy dust.

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annsixty Wed 23-Nov-16 19:41:36

I read Judith Wood's article about JAM in the DT today. It did not do much for me as not relating to ordinary families who don't write articles for the DT. Cynical moi?

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daphnedill Wed 23-Nov-16 19:20:17

Indeed! Not much at all to get excited about, especially for the self-employed.

Approximately one in seven workers are now self-employed, often not through choice. The average income is around £10,000 - so hardly managing. Raising the Living Wage makes them worse off, if they have to supplement their income with tax credits, because they will be expected to earn more before any benefit entitlement starts.

Scrapping property agents' fees will probably mean that they will charge landlords more, who will in turn increase rents.

All in all, a very damp squib!

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JessM Wed 23-Nov-16 17:09:34

Much noise made about the Just About Managing families prior to this statement. This is of course the phrase the Tories have come up with to replace the overused Hard Working Families. But not a lot of joy for lower income families to get excited about.
And nothing whatsoever in acknowledgement of the vast hole in NHS funding and the desperate need to give more money to the social care that helps to keep frail people out of hospital.
It could be a grim winter for the NHS. Anyone on an operation waiting list, don't get excited.

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