It does depend on a number of factors when you are going how long for and how many of you there are. For me on my own as much as I agree that hotels can be overpriced they can be very handy for short stays. If you really hate hotels why not arrange a flat/home swap. That way you get the benefits of a home type set up without making someone homeless so that you can have a break. Also it does depend on who is paying. If it were someone else on a contract for example why not enjoy the perks of a hotel with everything done for you? For a person on their own hotels are a better option. If you have a large family or one with special needs such as a disability then yes a home let might be a better option.

Oy! you know people live in caravans too. I spent the first four years of my life on a caravan park. It was the only affordable housing available, so don't go pushing that up in value to!

There is nothing wrong with a caravan. My best friends mum lived in one for her retirement. It was very nice inside.

I think do not think that there is anything wrong with them. My point was that they can be added at relatively low cost. In fact why haven't councils made more use of them?

Because of the NIMBYs

Who wants a trailer park in their neighbourhood?

However, if the best extent of social housing was a trailer then perhaps people wouldn't be so keen on the idea. It's surprising how snobbish people living on benefits can be.

That is nothing to the snobbery of people towards people on benefits. So many treat them like second class citizens even if they are disabled and unable to work. A few people on these forums will discover that after some time on the dole.

This is very true. I've depended on the dole twice in my life so far, and without that help I may never have been able to find work again.

I think most people here recognise the difference between scroungers and people in real need. However, I know I'm still a little prejudice because it shames me slightly to admit that I've taken benefits. Regardless of circumstances, what is effectively taking charity is at odds with self respect. I know I've paid back many times more with my tax, but I'd still feel more of a "man" if I'd somehow toughed it out without.

The way to look at it is that it is a form of insurance. You pay it through your NI contributions and hope never to collect. It is there if you need it. Sometimes you need it more than others. That is the nature of insurance. Though you have to jump through hoops to get it as well. Also while some might regard benefit recipients as scroungers, they fail to realise that with them out of the potential employment options they increase your or your families personal chances of getting back into work. If people are willing to opt out that increases the chances that you will get the job. If all those unemployed left Bolton or where ever and moved to London that would lower london wages and increase the costs of living there at the same time.