Red Tape and Red Faces
Entry posted by caldrail
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Bureaucracy - don't you just love it?
The problem with being poor in Britain is that you have to prove it. Seriously, its no good turning up to a dole office unshaven, haggard, dressed in rags. You need documented proof that an agent of the government can photocopy and study in every detail. Even if you give them the proof, you can guarantee you'll be getting a letter four weeks later asking for the proof you submitted originally. Oh and it must have your name and address on it. My bank is fed up with me asking for two month statements. They used to accomodate my requests but now its a big deal - so far they haven't charged me for it despite several threats to do so. And letters of termination from my ex-employer? I got my last job through an agency, and their policy is not to send letters. They simply stop paying you when the vacancy is finished. The authorities simply do not understand this. So I trudge back and forth from office to desk to office to desk.... Well, you get the idea.
There are people who live quite well on benefits in Britain How? Is there a secret handshake? Or do I need to be a refugee from eastern europe? Or should I spawn several screaming kids so the government can pay for their upbringing? Time to reassert my presidency of the Independent Peanut Republic of Rushey Platt and approach the UN for recognition...
Canal Update of the Week
Birmingham say Do It. Build the canal. The people of Swindon say no - don't do it - it'll only cost us money. Two local councillors say No, Don't Do It. Somehow you get the impression that some messianic person in authority will nonetheless order the construction of a new canal through Swindon (something Birmingham doesn't have to contend with, they simply reopened their existing ones). Whats the big deal? It'll be finished by 2025...
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