The problem is that if they cut wages so much that will have a devastating effect on some local communities. Because their income will be spent locally and thereby reduce the incomes for those in the locality. Then some will not cope and will lose their homes. That could push house prices down if there are a lot people having their incomes slashed. Northern Ireland could be particularly badly hit.

First major point:

"There will be a two-year pay freeze for public sector workers, says Mr Osborne, although the 1.7 million lowest paid will get a flat £250 pay rise."

The point that really stood out for me was the decision to abolish a Treasury department which only exists to plan our entry into the Euro?! Since both parties have said that we're not going into the Euro it's a pointless waste of money and they're getting rid of it.

That's a good sign.

Sorry to hear. I do hope that you find something soon. Best wishes to you and the family.

Yes but how many people does it actually employ full time? Probably no one. They probably second staff as needed from other departments. It will be a purely political move to do so. I am very pro Europe and unless we go in at the right rate and have a government willing to raise takes when the economy is booming to kill off the property bubbles like that Ireland experienced, which will not happen, then entry is unlikely.

Two year pay freeze for public sector workers, with £250 increase for the lowest paid.

Regardless of any salary savings, the department must be administered in some way which will be a saving on something that we don't need. Small savings and lots of them may be the way to cut the deficit without hitting the population the way the Greeks etc have done. I'm ok with Europe at our current level but I hope we never go into the Euro so I'm ok with anything that prevents it happening.

I'd like to see a minimum threshold that you have to be above in order to qualify for welfare benefits (or whatever they're called).

There are people who sit at home doing nothing and having kids purely because they get paid to do it if they earn less than x per year (I'm not sure what the current limit is).

Well the introduction of a new band (say £3000 a year) below which you do not qualify for benefits would be a good idea in my opinion.

Obviously the numbers would have to be correct and certain situations (i.e. actual disability etc...) would make you exempt.

This would then stop the spongers from sponging even if it means they get a part time job in the local fish and chip shop etc...

To be honest, I think it's so far so good.

Lot's of freezes, but not many cuts except in welfare.

I can't believe you could get more than £400 a week housing benefit on a 4 bedroom house?? That's crazy!

You can get some bloody nice houses for £400 a week!!!!

There have been cases of people claiming 1600 for seven bed properties.

Nissen huts and food vouchers FTW!

I don't quite understand the increase in the tax-free allowance.

Does that mean they have cancelled the plan to increase the level to £10,000??

::EDIT::

Okay, so it appears that this £1,000 increase is a "stepping stone" increase on the way to a £10,000 tax free allowance which is reasonable.

My understanding is that they are aiming to get it to that point within about 3 years, in incremental jumps.

Ok, this has confused me:

The child element of the child tax credit?

What other elements are there in the child tax credit?

That's hilarious. I just did a search with a local estate agent and there are plenty of 3/4 bedroom houses available at £1200/month (the £400 is per week). I'd be damned grateful to have one of them.

+1

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to- ... 28599.html

That's under budget and in one of the nicest areas of Leeds.

Poor people.

I'm currently living in a 5 bedroom house share because I can't afford a one bedroom flat.