Another contribution from Daft Old Duffer, in his own words. Guest opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. Ed
There’s a hare-brained idea being kicked around at the moment by our upper class masters and their fawning followers.
Which is to draw some arbitrary line somewhere across the body of England and thereafter pay out less in benefits to those living north of it than to those living south.
Should we be concerned?You may think this nonsense has nothing to do with us here on the Island. But I very much fear you would be wrong.
Do you recall some time back when it was decreed that benefit claimants no longer need collect at the government office where they were registered, but could do so at any convenient point? And the subsequent conclusion by many of the youngsters who hitch-hiked south for the holiday employment months that they might as well stay?
Rain or sun?
Might as well be out of work, and homeless, in warmer and altogether more pleasant surroundings than those pertaining back home?
Fortunately that didn’t last too long. Perhaps because the youngsters missed their familiar surroundings, their mates and the chance to call back on Mum and Dad when things got too difficult.
It will be very different when and if whole families realise moving south – even perhaps to the point of rendering themselves temporarily homeless – will enable them to claim benefits at a higher rate.
My theory
I predict a large scale exodus. Which this time will be permanent.
And I predict that the hard core among the refugees – those who do not on any account want to work – will seek out the areas with already existing high unemployment.
Such as the Isle Of Wight.
Image: © Alpha Perry
