Wig Spender
WILL 2026 be the year the Government finally realizes that it is economically detrimental to keep penalizing those who work and pay taxes while making life easier for those who do not?
It’s no surprise that one in four individuals now self-identify as disabled when, too often, it is more financially beneficial to be a non-worker than a worker.
More than 1,000 people a day claim Personal Independence PaymentsCredit: DWP
More than 1,000 individuals claim PIP each day.
However, it turns out that it’s not just the overly generous Government that is responsible for the growing and unsustainable expenditure.
If your PIP claim isn’t approved by lenient authorities, the likelihood is that judges interpreting eligibility criteria will grant it upon appeal.
This “parallel assessment system” by tribunals is expanding the pool of individuals who qualify for disability payments and costing taxpayers billions, according to the Policy Exchange think tank.
They argue that tightening just one aspect and reverting claims to pre-pandemic levels could save the country hundreds of millions of pounds.
Good luck getting those changes approved by backbenchers who are inclined to take money from earners and redistribute it to non-earners.
Or by empathetic judges who are not concerned about the source of the funding.
Gone to Pot
NOTHING symbolizes the decline of Britain’s infrastructure quite like the increase in potholes.
And it is costing motorists significantly.
It is troubling enough that repair costs have surged by 90 percent in just three years, reflecting the rising number of potholes in our deteriorating local roads.
But when three out of four claims are denied — and those that are approved are settled for only two-thirds of the average repair bill — the local councils that neglect road repairs are adding insult to injury.
It is the drivers with damaged vehicles who are left to bear the financial burden.
The additional funds provided by the Government to address the issue cannot come into effect soon enough.
Adieu, Brigitte
WITH her tousled blonde hair, bold eye makeup, and unabashed pursuit of passion, French actress Brigitte Bardot was a symbol of the 1960s sexual revolution.
Her later activism for animal rights mirrored her advocacy for women’s independence during her youthful beauty, but some of her political views as she aged were decidedly controversial.
However, most will remember her as the sex symbol whom Charles de Gaulle once considered to be France’s most significant export.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to the increase in disability claims?
Factors include economic incentives that favor non-workers over workers, as well as lenient assessments by authorities and judges that broaden eligibility for benefits.
How are potholes affecting motorists financially?
Motorists face increased repair costs due to the rising number of potholes, and many claims for repairs are denied, forcing drivers to cover the expenses themselves.
What was Brigitte Bardot known for?
Brigitte Bardot was known for her iconic role in the 1960s sexual revolution, her beauty, and her later activism for animal rights.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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