[shane39]

Hi all!
Would be interested to know your opinions on whether or not Family allowance should be available to all,regardless of wealth.

thanks.

[jane2008]

I thought it was, but I don't think it should be.

[theripsaw]

Available to all, unless they can work out how to pay it only to those that arent just scroungers.

[Greybeard]

Originally Posted by jane2008

I thought it was, but I don't think it should be.

At what income level would you disallow it ? And do you think the administrative cost of means-testing Child Benefit would be less than the savings made by restricting it to a certain income level ?

[jane2008]

Originally Posted by Greybeard

At what income level would you disallow it ? And do you think the administrative cost of means-testing Child Benefit would be less than the savings made by restricting it to a certain income level ?

Well, I've got to admit that it's not something I have given a great deal of thought to, until I read the thread.

There, in my opinion, should be a cut off point for receiving it, because surely the very wealthy don't need this money to feed and clothe their children.

I think I remember that when Prince William was born, there was a news item in the paper saying that the family allowance that Charles and Diana were entitled to would go to charity.

The wealthy people don't need it and people who are working very hard and still find themselves badly off do.

[Minimo]

Means testing is always horrible, but it does seem ridiculous that people like eg Madonna, McCartney and other very wealthy people are entitled to FA.
Whether they collect it or not is an interesting question. If I had their kind of wealth I wouldn't demean myself taking it. That also applies to other benefits like oa pension, at least I would give it to charity.

[Chipmunk]

I think means testing a benefit like this would probably cost more than the allowance given. I think instead it should be limited to the first child (at the most first two) as should any benefits relating to children. If you can't afford to raise children yourself then you shouldn't really be having them. That might sound harsh and I know some people fall on hard times after they've had children through no fault of their own, but there has to be a limit to what the state should fund.

[teddie]

Why do we need child allowance? If you want to have children then fine, just support them yourself, and don't expect tax payer to. If you want a Porsche buy it, do what you want, just support your selves. Karen Mathews is a good example of not paying your own way.

[happylady]

I think means testing would be wrong as tax payers all pay their fair wack and why should anyone be discriminated. However, I think that it should only be paid for the first 3 kids and then no more. Probably controversial for some but definitely I feel quite strongly about this.