There are many problems with this but Id like to draw attention to - TopicsExpress



          

There are many problems with this but Id like to draw attention to a couple. To start with, theres this: It would be run by private-sector providers such as insurers and fund managers, but guaranteed by the Government. In other words, there would be a profit for private providers and risk for the government (i.e. us) who would guarantee the scheme. Later the article adds that national insurance, which we already pay, would be cut to compensate. So in fact this suggestion involves the beginning of privatising national insurance and running the scheme so that insurance companies, fund managers and shareholders can make a profit. The idea is that those who pay in build up a personal welfare account, which in the long term could be used to pay benefits to people suffering from illness and for maternity payments. Once you add in maternity payments, you start suggesting that maternity benefits become a private and individual benefit for which women should save - and that having children is the responsibility of women alone. Illness and disability also become a matter of personal responsibility. When I pay national insurance and tax - which I do, happily on the whole (Im not in favour of renewing Trident from my taxes), I do so in order that benefits can be paid on the basis of need. I like to live in a society in which we share responsibility for children, for those who are ill, for those who find themselves in need, etc. Some people need help early in their lives; most of us need help towards the end. I think national insurance is a brilliant scheme - although it could benefit from some adjustments. I dont want national insurance to be a profit-making venture for the people who run and own insurance companies and similar funds. Quite apart from the profit such schemes would need to make, the kind of companies identified are often owned by banks - and banks dont have a brilliant record of managing money. They do, however, have a great track record of getting bail-out money from the government, and thus from us. independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/workers-could-be-forced-to-pay-5-a-week-to-get-benefits-9794571.html
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 08:51:05 +0000

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