Homeless Global Spectator

An individual recovering from the hardship of being homeless, who has taken an interest in the global political game

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BRITISH PEOPLE AGAIN LET DOWN BY A PRIME MINISTER & GOVERNMENT WITH NO BACKBONE

Theresa May UK Prime Minister calls on the support of her Members of a special Cabinet sub-committee on Brexit for their support at a two-hour meeting in Downing Street. She has proposed increasing her initial divorce bill offer of £18bn to around £35bn. However, EU has said it is looking for around £50bn. On top of this offer, she has wrapped it up with potentially allowing European Court of…

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Over the weekend had a joy of sitting with an individual who is on a mission to bring change to the LIVE Entertainment Industry. He has made it his mission to bring change to the sector called “Secondary Ticketing”. His insight into the problem was remarkable, considering he is not from the music or live entertainment industry. He was drawn to the industry after watching a televised parliamentary debate in December 2016.

This individual was introduced to me by a close friend, who thought I would be interested in meeting a potential future figure. Who wants to bring change to the music industry (Live Entertainment Industry) and had other ideas for business growth and is view of the world was different to many. This business was looking to disrupt was a major problem faced by many people across the globe and it was worth billions. He had came up with a business model to bring change after watching a Parliamentary Debate and was not even from the Music Industry.

My friend actually sold this guy and I had to have a meeting to learn more.

Yes, on hearing this, I thought this guy was a bit of a nerd or had no life to be watching parliamentary debates. How wrong one could be, as this individual was far from this fact. Once, I got to meet him in person.

We met for a coffee and he bought me a breakfast, not bad as he was willing to put his hand in his pocket. He introduced himself and we just had a general chat.

Of course, I had a quick look at the information available across the worldwide web regarding this topic of secondary ticketing before meeting up and was flabbergasted, how big this problem was and how hard it was for a person to acquire a ticket to see the likes of Ed Sheeran or top flight star. If this individual is saying he could bring change, then a chat is a must.

Once, we got down to talking about the problem and solutions to bring change to the secondary ticketing, there was no stopping him. It was evident that he was passionate about this topic and had undertaken an in-depth review. This enabled him to establish solutions to bring an end or control the secondary ticketing.

It seemed the Ticketing of many events were broken down into two element and not a matter of one designated selling route or one sector. The selling routes were used as prescribed as follows:

Primary

Ticketing agent licenced / contracted by the venue, promoter or artist to issue and manage initial ticketing, pre-sales and allocations. They release the Public Allocation via their ticketing platform

Secondary

Third-party ticketing companies, brokers, allocated ticket-holders given tickets through their relationship and contractual agreements. To release or sale via their sales platform.

It was evident that the “Secondary Ticketing” was a term used openly, as indicated there are platforms / websites available to enable the secondary ticketing holders to sell their tickets via “TICKET Exchanges” known as VIAGOGO, GETMEIN, SEATWAVE, STUBHUB, TWICKETS etc. These sites make their monies via service and delivery charges they place on the seller or buyer for re-selling their ticket and there is no law prevent individuals selling their tickets.

Biggest surprise was the majority of the tickets to an event were placed in allotments and allocated to different routes (sell). During the meeting a Taylor Swift concert was used as an example, concert capacity 13,900, there were only 1,900 tickets allocated to Public General Sale. It was estimated the 12,000 tickets allocated to sponsors, venue, artist, promotion, management team, media and industry persons etc. Which usually ended up on Ticketing Exchanges.

Tickets allocated to general public were sold out within one minute of release on the Primary Ticketing Agent website. While there were tickets available on the “Ticket Exchanges” with a price increase averaging by 200% of more, in some circumstanes tickets have been x20 face-value.

It was pointed out that tickets have been sold out within seconds of being released on sale and this only indicates technology built into the worldwide web known as BOTS are being used, no ticket allocation for general sale or inside trading within the ticketing company. As it takes a majority of humans approximately 5 – 10 mins to complete the buying process on a majority of the primary ticketing sites.

Although these practises are unethical, it was evident that they are accepted by many in the music industry. Although they did not like the practises of ripping off their fans, they would not take any actions other than speak out from time to time. The main reason for the industry not actually taking action was they either could not or would not, as it would potentially bring financial difficulty. The majority of artists / bands rely upon the revenues produced by Live Entertainment as their mainstream income.

This sector is controlled by the Promoters / Venue Owners / Ticketing and the term “Never bit the hand that feeds you” comes into play or rings true. There are monopolies formed within the music industry and secondary ticketing generates £1billion in UK alone. The monopolies support the secondary ticketing market and have business established to sell on their own ticket exchanges or others.

As we spoke, it become evident this point was an area that frustration, as it was indicated that having sat with many organisations working in the Music Industry and had been developed to bring change to this secondary ticketing. Were found to be reluctant to take action or support any business offering to bring change.

An organisation formed by artist management and industry insiders had a vision to bring change to the secondary ticketing market and challenge the leading promoters and ticketing organisation.

However, they stopped short of bringing any direct change or action and established a ticketing exchange of their own that enabled individuals to sell / buy tickets at face-price value or below. At a charge of 10% service charge, which just indicates their reluctance to bring change. They continue to pressure the UK Government to introduce legislation to eradicate the ticketing problem but did not want to be seen as rocking the boat.

Another frustration which become evident and highlighted during our chat was the term “TOUT”, it was said the term that the industry used openly and overused to deflect what was really happening in the industry. Any person selling a ticket and making a profit could be termed as a tout. Even the ticket exchange are touting tickets, as they are making money from a sale. Touts are seen and being perceived as the “EVIL” of the ticketing business. However, it is used as deflect, what is really going on. At the moment the only source of getting a ticket to an event is through a tout and this is because the primary ticketing agent cannot manage the ticketing system adequately.

It was evident that during our chat that “Touts” were not seen as the problem and had a better understanding of the problems of the industry and what was really happening and was another way of the industry to deflect the consumer from what is really happening.

Live entertainment industry across the globe is controlled by a select few within the industry, they have been allowed to grow and develop a monopoly, which they use to control the industry.

They have managed to prevent artist / bands from breaking away and trying to tour without them. There has been books and articles wrote about the problem, for example Dean Budnick & Josh Baron wrote a book – TICKET MASTERS – THE RISE OF THE CONCERT INDUSTRY AND HOW THE PUBLIC GOT SCALPED

This book, I have been told will give everyone an insight into the business and was part of the research process.

The meeting give me a great insight into the Live Entertainment Industry and how it can be changed if the industry wanted it changed.

Having reviewed the strategy and an overview of the business concept, change will come and a concert goers experience enhanced.

Wish to thank @CSfairmusic for taking time out and giving me an overview, change is due and would recommend any readers to  share and follow Twitter: @CSfairmusic

Who is trying to bring change and fight for transperancy and FANS of Live Music.

TRIED TO BUY TICKETS TO SEE YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST / BAND, PAID ABOVE FACE-VALUE – SECONDARY TICKETING RIPPING OFF FANS Over the weekend had a joy of sitting with an individual who is on a mission to bring change to the LIVE Entertainment Industry.

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11th November every year is a prominent time across the globe, especially in the United Kingdom (UK).

2017 is no different to any other time everyone pledges their gratitude by obtaining a “Poppy” by donating money to the “The British Legion” and everyone stops for a period of time “Before & After” and reflects on the persons who have given their lives for their Country (Members of Parliment).

Today, classified as a “Veteran”, I signed to serve my Queen & Country, was willing to give my life to serve and protect humanity and freedom. Proud to say that, I served my country and crown in conflicts in foreign lands.

However, over the last few years having had time to reflect on life past and present, especially in the United Kingdom, my view has changed slightly.

After attending various remembrance services over the weekend of remembrance. It is saddening to say that one feels let down, the charity that operates the poppy appeal have become a commercial enterprise. As a veteran, I refused to wear a poppy or give a donation to the British Legion, I have my reason which are revealed later on.

While attending the Royal Albert Hall Remembrance evening it became evident that the Poppy Appeal is just a PR Gimmick and money earner. The organiser and charity actually put on a great event with stories and reminders to promote the Poppy Appeal, the PR is absolutely outstanding and very affective visually.

What is the real cost of this and is this money better spent to help our services personnel past and present. While sitting amongst my brothers / sisters proud to be in their presence of so many great people listening to the stories of past and present. This started to generate overwhelming feelings for me and I wanted to stand up, interrupt the live televised broadcast and speak out.

Actually struggled to fight off the urge that was building inside and speak my mind. This is the first-time that I have ever had this urge and it actually scared me, had no choice but to leave before the end of the show.

Reason for the urge to stand-up and taking this action was the poppy appeal has lost its appeal. It is a PR stunt, we reflect on our brothers / sisters / mothers / fathers / grandfathers / grandmothers and friends who have sacrificed their lives in conflicts or luckily still here today, but are combating with other pains from their times in service. For a very short period of time there is reflection on their lives and a reminder of the reason these sacrifices were taken to protect humanity and the freedom of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth people in World War I & II.

We reflect on the losses in the most recent conflicts in the Middle East. However, we seem to forget a majority of sacrifices in the Middle East were because the Politicians of the time were influenced by America Government to send us to war that was structured and prefabricated by America. This war was on so-called terror and WMD’s, which is far from the truth. Men and women lost their lives, while others returned with serious life changing injuries that they continue to battle with today. Unfortunately no persons or politicians have been held accountable for putting us to war without clarification of the facts. They actually have either become wealthy individuals in the top-tier of society or still in government in influential positions of power, slowly destroying the UK.

Today 2017, a majority of the people who have sacrificed their lives one way or another would not be happy with how the United Kingdom has turned out. Veterans and active service personnel are not priority or looked after by our government, worse still the people of United Kingdom are divided and while the Elected Government Members protect the wealthy and enhance their revenue the majority of people are continually suffering through the austerity measures that are taken, the world economy suffered a recession in 2008 and have still not recovered. The country is slipping further in to recession but is being flowered up or polished to look as if we are pulling out. Majority of the people of the United Kingdom are treated as 3rd Class Citizens in their own country, as the wealthy are priority, followed by the refugees and asylum seekers.

Refuges, asylum seekers and others from outside the United Kingdom take priority. Our national service systems are at breaking point and the systems are near failure. Majority of the United Kingdom people live in poverty or below the line of poverty.

We have veterans, who are fighting their own battles / war after leaving the services. There is an increase of veterans living on the streets, in prison, suffering mental health issues and unfortunately taking their own lives because they cannot continue the fight any longer, without support.

Since 2007 there is 187 Registered Charities that state they are raising funds to support service personnel, families and veterans such as the Royal British Legion that generate large sums of funds through charity, their tag line is

“We help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families all year round. We also campaign to improve their lives, organise the Poppy Appeal and remember the fallen”.

However, the UK Charity Commission has openly stated that a majority of the Charities hold back up to 80% of the funds.

British Legion itself has sat on funds and has on numerous occasions been contacted by veterans or charities looking for assistance, as they are suffering hard times and need little help. But were turned away as they were not seen as their preferred case study.

People close to a veteran suffering will tell you that they will not ask for help due to pride or until they are pushed. When a veteran ask for help nine of ten times it will be serious, majority of them will not ask due to their level of pride or feel that they will be seen as weak.

Main reason a vast amount of charities (187) have formed since 2007 is they felt that the existing charities were not providing the necessary support.

Having been homeless and reaching out for help by contacting various Military Charities, I was let down by many including the RBL. However, was lucky to be captured and assisted by one great organisation. During my time spent under the support system of the charity, it become evident that there were other veterans that had approached other charities and RBL, but refused support or assistance. Saddening part is that genuine Charities even struggle to secure support from RBL, who is the UK Government elected Charity.

During my time under the support structure of the Charity is that monies is raised from different sources and the Regiment that you served actually provides a portion of the funding as well as the charity.

Have actually witnessed many commonwealth brothers and sisters, who have undertaken active service in conflict zones, return home to the country they defended and were willing to give their life. Refused UK Citizenship unless they undertook the citizenship test and paid the relevant fee.

This is ridiculous and should have more entitlement than many others arriving in the UK, as they were willing to give their life for Queen & Country. These individuals should be given exemption from the citizenship test and given a British Passport if they served minimum set time of service or in a conflict zone.

Actually a former Prime Minister, who has never done anything courageous for the United Kingdom apart from lined his pockets as do many other politicians in the UK failed the Citizenship Test.

  It is saddening to watch people who have become homeless and actually turned to drugs and alcohol to take away the pain of the cold and embarrassment. It is saddening to see ex-veterans being treated from time to time as a 3rd & 4th class citizen in their own country that they were happy to give their life to defend.

As a veteran we are willing to give our lives to protect the Queen & Country and ensure the freedom and humanity of life or follow orders.

Everyone overtime stated Adolf Hitler was a tyrant, which he was at the end. However, what a lot of people do not know was, that he was employed by the government to infiltrate the German Workers Party and gain intelligence during a time of great depression. He received a copy of his pamphlet My Political Awakening, which contained anti-Semitic, nationalist, anti-capitalist, and anti-Marxist ideas. This become a moment that would change the world forever and turn the once solider into a Political Leader. In 2017, a lot of people could say we are in a similar predicament in the UK and western worlds, due to the actions of our western leaders over the last two decades. The only difference is the Anti-semitic is replaced with Anti-islam.

While serving in a conflict zone in Europe, during a board game of chest with a Yugoslavian gentleman was told the next world war would occur in the Western World (United Kingdom). This was his opinion, his reasoning for this statement was due to people uprising against the governmental way. He openly stated the immigration and policies will lead to the UK Population becoming unhappy and being undervalued, which in turn will cause an uprising.

It is saddening to think that this Old Man’s words may come true in the near future, if the Government continue as there has been discontent shown in the past 12  – 24 months.

People of the United Kingdom and other western countries have come together and raised their concerns regards the decisions and direction their Elected Governments have taken over the last few years. Everyone seems to raise their voices from time to time. It seems it is only a matter of time before an individual or party with the support of the people will throw the UK Politics in to turmoil.

More concerning and saddening part here is the next Tyrant could be bred and born in the United Kingdom. People will clash and the next uprising could lead to a war….

Our Queen and her family need to take a stand for the people of the United Kingdom, as our government seems to be out of touch with the majority of the people suffering day in, day out. Poverty is around the corner for a majority of people, debt continues to grow out of control with bills continuing to grow. Today, the UK People cannot get value for money, with food packaging shrinking and pricing increasing on a weekly and monthly basis.

The one thing with the people of Britain is we will take a lot of crap. But there will be a point when the people will say, enough is enough. Remember, the British people are strong, full of pride and when they bite back it will hurt everyone in position of power or on the other side of the divide. The longer this government and corporate powers continue to treat us as third class citizens the more respect is lost and deeper the bite will be.

We were once known as “Great Britain and United Kingdom” today we are neither as we are not United or Great. Individual’s who we actually remember on the 11th November, who give their lives in past wars and conflict did not fight or give their lives for the citizens of the UK to become a third class citizen. REMEMBER, they fought for freedom, humanity and to bring an end to suffering.

People in power need to stand up and start repairing our country and bring back our values that were the foundation that made us “Great & United”. Our services from emergency, education, housing, health, immigration, border control and armed services are at breaking point with continued influx of people into the country, austerity cuts and giving of relief to the wealthy, corporate organisations and other nations.

WE NEED TO THINK BRITISH FIRST, WE VOTED TO LEAVE THE EU, BECAUSE THE PEOPLE HAD ENOUGH OF PUTTING OTHERS FIRST, it may have been a wrong decision but only time will tell.

Today our active service personnel actually do not know if they have a secure future with the continued cuts.

In all the time the people have suffered the austerity cuts, we have never seen a Member of Parliament, Lords or Banking Industry suffer any financial cuts they have enhanced their levels of wealth, while everyone else suffers cuts.

If you read this blog, thank you. Please understand this is my opinion and everyone has one, some may not like it or agree, but there it is and thnk you again…….

Been away for a while no back 11th November every year is a prominent time across the globe, especially in the United Kingdom (UK).

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UK Government is in disarray with the back biting and bickering, rather than fixing the problems and looking at bring solutions to ease the life of much of the population, who have become slaves to work and money. They continue with threatening their peers with termination, there is a problem at the top and they just do not want to listen

The system in the UK was supposed to be democracy based, however, is more like socialist system that a select few in government control, there is no voice for the people as shown in the last few decades.

There are six hundred and fifty Members of Parliament that are supposed to represent the UK Population, this all sounds great, but unfortunately there is an old van-guard that protects most of the troglodytes. When a new Member of Parliament enters the political ring, they are entering on the permission of the voter that elected them to be their representative. They enter this old institute of politics trusting they can bring change for the people they represent. However, how disappointed they become to find that the house of parliament is run by a select van-guard, they protect the old institute that generates wealth for the select few within the UK Population.

Overtime new members of parliament become dis-heartened with their desires to bring change and end up either joining many of the members and just want to enhance and protect their wealth. A minority of the members will speak out, however are weeded out or chastised for their disloyalty, if they do not toe the line then they are removed or disgraced from their privileged seats of power.

This institute, which has become driven by socialist values needs to be changed. As it is not benefiting most of the people of the UK.

With the availability of the technology advances in-today’s world there is no reason why the UK need so many members of parliament. By using the technology available the UK government could introduce a Direct Democracy system similar to  the Switzerland system, where the people vote on key items and budget orientated matters.

Today, with the technology availability, the UK should be considering issuing a national identification card via “Blockchain Technology” to accesses the public-sector services, this may well save on financial loss within the Health & Social Security sector. We should introduce health insurance for the population on an annual salary £45,000.

If the UK continue the path it is on at the moment then it is only a matter of time before the UK system completely fails and a massive uproar happens as it has previously, scenes from the coal miners, council tax riots will be seen again on the UK Streets. This time it will be worse as the enforcers of the law (Public Services) are being targeted by the governments continued penny pinching and will not standby during the uprising of the people.

Members of Parliament are walking a thin-line and need to actually listen to the majority of the people who feel they are the slaves to the UK Economy, due to the governments policies set over the last three decades.

Theresa May warns cabinet ‘there is no such thing as an unsackable minister’, then let’s sack the majority of the gutless, air stealing, penny pinching troglodytes. UK Government is in disarray with the back biting and bickering, rather than fixing the problems and looking at bring solutions to ease the life of much of the population, who have become slaves to work and money.

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UK is overspending funds that they have not got, the main reason for continue cuts / measures that have led to austerity

UK is overspending funds that they have not got, the main reason for continue cuts / measures that have led to austerity

Having reviewed the UK Spending over the last few weeks it is alarming to find that the UK Government is running into deficit every year, year on year. Although the figures shown are estimated and the true figures could actually paint a different picture, which could be more alarming.

It is estimated that government will spend £12,138 a year, per person (capita) to run and operate the services…

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UK Government again just going ahead with ludicrous plans, which is going to cost and cause further turmoil to our struggling economy.

Chris Grayling (UK Transport Secretary) said:

“Britain’s new railway line will bring huge economic benefits across the country and help ensure this government delivers on its promise to spread wealth beyond London and the south-east,”

This comment just shows this cabinet minister is either delusional or taking some form of medication that is making him hallucinate. The government promised to spread the wealth in the 1980’s with the introduction of the “trickle-down economics” system. Today the only individuals to have benefited from the government incentives are corporate organisations, wealthy individuals and minority of politicians.

Majority of the people of the UK have not had a pay increase over the last decade and are living on similar wages that they were on a decade ago. However, this time the true value of the pound is not the same, as it is weaker and the cost of living has increased dramatically.

While the politicians have had large increments in their wages since 1996, last-one in 2015 which was at least 11% raise in pay, as highlighted in previous blog.

The people who provide services of security, save life, educate our children, ensure the country is run correctly and fight illegal wars on behalf of the politicians get pay caps / freezes below the rate of inflation and cuts to services, which effect their lives, enhancing their workload and hours. Although the government continue to give false promises of raising or removing the pay restrictions in times of need as they did recently for the emergency services, but was found to be just false hopes or blowing wind up the people’s backside.

It is a known fact that construction projects on this scale never finish within the estimated budget and always far more, the projected estimate could be easily above £100bn.

Further statement made from the Cabinet Minister:

“We will now press ahead with building the line, while continuing to ensure affected communities get appropriate support and are treated with fairness, compassion and respect.”

It is great to now they will continue to ensure the affected communities get appropriate support and treated with fairness, compassion and respect. While to date, they have not been treated as the statement implies, this has come to some as a shock. UK has a housing shortage, it is in turmoil with regards housing people and this railway route will pass through areas with proposed and new housing developments. However the railway route has taken president over the housing and the developments will be stopped and new housing or housing obstructing the route demolished.

This is not benefiting anyone other than the minority class and minority of politicians on the receiving end of back-handers. The vote held in 2016, when the construction estimate was £30bn was a majority thought it was not absurd

Same wording in the statement above “while continuing to ensure affected communities get appropriate support and are treated with fairness, compassion and respect” was said with regards housing the people displaced by the horrific fire and aftermath of the tower inspections. Unfortunately, these people are still fighting to be housed and feel they have been forgotten, this government are using words but finding it hard to take physical action, as they do not care about the people that are effected by their plans.

Residents of the Shimmer housing estate in Mexborough have disputed that only 16 houses will be demolished by the new line. Karen Schofield, whose family farm is also on the proposed route, told the BBC that the government’s decision was

“Unthinkable”. “It’s the worst possible news that anybody wants to hear, that you’re going to lose your family home, which my husband and his brothers… they bought, what, 40-odd years ago,”

“There’s horses, there’s stables, we’ve provided employment for local communities… and it’s ok HS2 saying they’re going to compensate like-for-like… we’ve invited them to come down here and have a look what we’ve built up over the years.”

Although the government has setup a compensation scheme that will offer homeowners the “un-blighted” value of their home plus 10%. This will not be enough for persons to buy in the same areas. There should be no statutory compulsory purchase schemes, the residents of their homes, which are their castles should have not have been put in this predicament and the government should be re-routing or upgrading existing lines if they feel they need too.

Minority of the Members of Parliament have spoken out, Labour representative for Doncaster North Ed Miliband has spoken out and said putting the line through his constituency was “wrong and perverse”.

“It flies in the face of evidence, logic, and above all, the economic needs of South Yorkshire, the government and HS2 should be ashamed about the way they have gone about this decision. Their arguments do not add up, the consultation was a sham, and the residents have been ignored,”

While Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport and Manufacturing for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, states openly that the overall HS2 plan would be of benefit to the country. By freeing up the capacity on the East Coast Mainline, West Coast Mainline, through the HS2 route we’ll be able to shift some of our freight network onto the rail network from the road network.

Does she not think the rail network that we have in place today could be modernised to take freight from our road network, we do not utilise the railway and transport links we have in place today. Being realistic the majority of the freight received today is transported on the roads, however the number of good vehicle licences continue to fall. With HGV traffic is now below its 2007 pre-recession level. It is a known fact that the Logistic sector is suffering from skills shortages, which effects the efficiency of the business and operations. Another concern with shifting freight from roads to rail is cost, considering the price of using the rail infrastructure today and potential increase.

In addition if this is to benefit the people of the UK, what about West of England, Scotland and Wales, should the lines not be directed towards these parts of the country as they will probably lose out economically?

One of the strongest arguments against HS2 is the opportunity cost. Spend £56bn on HS2 and that’s £56bn gone from other projects. The UK is heavily in debt, public finances are stretched so spending is carefully prioritised and cuts to emergency and public services. But the government has failed to

Although the government will insist that the “High speed rail is the right answer for Britain.” it may be in the future when the country has not got major deficits in its revenue. In 2017, we cannot afford to keep our basic services in operational condition and continue to rob one sector to pay another sector, this is a money pit that will swallow up finances best used elsewhere.

Theresa May, must have magic money tree or gene in a lamp, the UK need to stop this pantomime and come to reality. Money is not available for these fantasies project, especially when we have future costs that will affect our budget. Nobody knows the true pricing of leaving the EU or replacing all the cladding on the Tower Blocks across the UK to date, let alone any other surprises we have around the corner

This HS2 project should be put to the public vote, as it affects our future in the UK and not everyone is backing it, the government have a agenda and has tried to sneaky this project under the radar, as MP’s were not informed of the go-ahead formally and there was no discussion.

The best part here is Chris Grayling is another Member of Parliament that has taken advantage of his position in the past and claimed tax payer’s monies (see link below) for his gains. How can we trust these people to work in the interest of the voters, when they are only interested in enhancing their wealth?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5305242/Chris-Grayling-claimed-for-London-flat-despite-nearby-constituency-home-MPs-expenses.html

HS2 Routing to disrupt people’s lives, remove housing adding to the continue lack of housing and cost an estimated £56bn. No project ever comes in on budget lets watch this price enhance to £100bn + by the end. UK Government again just going ahead with ludicrous plans, which is going to cost and cause further turmoil to our struggling economy.

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UK Politics seems to be on head, does the Right-hand now what the Left-hand is doing. More games going on than in a casino

UK Politics seems to be on head, does the Right-hand now what the Left-hand is doing. More games going on than in a casino

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/series/politics-live-with-andrew-sparrow  

Absolutely brilliant porthole for most up to date information on the happenings in UK Politics – must say thank you to Andrew Sparrow.

Just had to have my say on a few items, sorry:

David Cameron’s– warning in his first post-election interview to the Tories, that they need to inspire more & modernise. Just shows how…

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Today in 2017, the UK and the USA have similar economy, which splits the population by favoring the high net-worth individuals. While it deprives everyone else not lucky enough to sit in the high net-worth part of the population and makes them poorer.

The economy scale has tipped in the favor of austerity and capitalism.

Unfortunately, in the UK this system that lead to the austerity and divide between the population is due to the Members of Parliament continually supporting the system that benefits the high net-worth part of the population and deprives the rest.

This system was introduced in the 1980’s by the relevant leaders, Margaret Thatcher (UK) & Ronald Regan (USA), the system was known as the “Trickle-down Economics System”.

The main foundation of the system was to Trickle-down, which can be (very loosely) characterised as the idea that reducing the tax burden on the high net-worth and wealthy individuals, in the end, is good for everyone.

They felt that the wealthy person’s taxes being reduced will increase their disposable income. This will then enable the wealthy person to spend the extra income on a new mansion, or luxury goods, or lavish holidays. Which in-turn will benefit the estate agent, the luxury manufacturer, tourist resorts and service providers profits increase, this increasing their disposable income and continue the trickle down processes. The profits will also enable the people to invest the profits, expanding their capacity, creating new jobs in the process. That additional investment boosts income and employment. This then will grow the economy, bringing in more tax revenues (more, indeed, than were forgone through the initial tax cut). The size of the state is reduced, the freedom of the population grows and general prosperity is enlarged.

Although this system / model sounds good, it is fact that it does not work and the only individuals who benefit is the wealthy. As they make the profit and continue to purchase expanding their wealth, the wealthy individuals are owners of the product ranges, estate agents and brands etc. that they initially make their purchases. So the money they spend just keeps going around in circles increasing the wealth dived.

Two well-known former government purse holders from the US & UK have commented on the system and agreed that is failed the majority of the country’s population.  Larry Summers (US Treasury Secretary) and Ed Balls (UK Shadow Chancellor) have stated openly and in reports

“That tax cuts for the rich do not inexorably result in more economic activity, but create a growing income gap between those at the top and those at the bottom. The rich tend to save more of their disposable income and growth slows down.”

An academic and popular economic writer from Cambridge University – Ha-Joon Chang,  states “The trickle-down argument crucially depends on the assumption that, when given a bigger slice of national output, the rich will use it to increase investments”, he has written. He describes this as “an assumption that has not been borne out by reality”, and goes on: “Once you realise that trickle-down economics does not work, you will see the excessive tax cuts for the rich as what they are: a simple upward redistribution of income, rather than a way to make all of us richer.”

Individuals who have worked in high-level positions within the government or who have become experts on the subject. Believe that higher wages for ordinary workers, higher rates of tax on the super-rich and corporations, as well as a co-ordinate international closure of tax loopholes, with the money used to finance more public infrastructure investment.

This trickle down system was introduced over three decades ago, it was not subscribed to by the population and no open discussion or review of the system has been undertaken to establish the areas of failings. Main reason for this is the individuals who introduced the system (Members of Parliament) are actually benefiting from the system, they do not want change as it will affect their wealth.

There is no record of any serious free-market thinker ever outlining that cutting tax rates on high earners is good because it encourages the rich to spend,” argues Ryan Bourne of the Institute of Economic Affairs think tank. “Free-marketers don’t believe in low taxes because of their effect on spending. They believe in low taxes because they provide a strong incentive to earn more income in the first place.”

Only in the last week Philip Hammond (UK MP & Chancellor of Exchequer) spoke out in cabinet meeting that he felt that Public workers are overpaid. This just strengthens the notion that the only system that is of any interest is the one that protects and enhances his wealth. When considering he and a majority of the MP’s representing the UK Population benefits greatly from the “Trickle-down System”. Philip Hammond, who has an estimated wealth of £8.2 million in 2014. He has previously been caught-out for avoiding tax’s http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/millionaire-tory-philip-hammonds-200-3231876 .

In early 2017, Philip Hammond was challenged by an opposition leader to publicly publish his tax return, but he refused. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-publishes-tax-return-chancellor-philip-hammond_uk_58bc41b7e4b0b998941837c6

He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show he has “no intention” of making public his documents since “my tax affairs are all perfectly regular and up to date”. This just shows that the person to set the UK Budget and control the purse, cannot be open and transparent with his earnings or income. Which are most probably ten to twenty times more than any public worker and only shows his real intentions to enhance his wealth and support the minority of the population. MP’s serve the UK Population and should be accountable to the people, then why are they not showing their annual earnings by issuing the tax return publicly.

Income inequality has reached excessive levels and is now effecting the majority of the UK Population and growth in the public services and economy. Rather than stimulating spending by the wealthy it is doing the opposite, which in-turn is forcing much of the population to enhance their levels of debit.

Remember, majority of the Members of Parliament, who represent the UK People are receiving financial rewards of more than £100k year with salaries and expenses etc. Probably a majority have been fortunate to have generated a wealth through their careers in the government sector and do not feel the effects of austerity or capitalism.

Demonstrators take part in the ‘Britain Needs a Pay Rise’ march in central London, organised by the TUC as public sector workers are calling for an end to austerity and to highlight the need for pay to increase following days of industrial action by nurses, midwives and civil servants.

Legal tax avoidance and illegal tax evasion is costing the UK billions a year and effecting the public services and population. Estimated cost in 2014 estimated at

Austerity / capitalism causation of trickle-down economics introduced by world leaders over three decades ago and still being enforced today. Today in 2017, the UK and the USA have similar economy, which splits the population by favoring the high net-worth individuals.

[ahomelessspectator-blog]

UK PRIME MINISTER makes a deal with DUP to secure her position by offering an increase of £1 billion increase in spending for Northern Ireland for the next two years.

However, she is reluctant to support our public service workers by lifting the pay cap of one percent that was introduced by Mr. George Osbourne in 2012 for a period of four years, this was extended in the Chancellor Budget until 2019.

On Wednesday evening 29th June 2017, there was a vote called in the House of Commons to bring an end to the cuts to the emergency services and an end the cap of one percent (1%) on pay. The Members of Parliament (MP’s) showed their true colours and feelings during this vote towards the people that continue to protect and save lives of the people of the United Kingdom. As they voted to continue to keep the cap of one percent, in favour of cap was voted by 323, while against was 309, the government had a majority of 14 votes.

Living standards for many of the public sector workers in the UK have suffered for years with the low or no pay increments. While inflation has continued to raise and is at two point nine percent (2.9%), as of 29th June 2017.

What is saddening part here is that a majority of the public services wages at least one or two times less than the basic wage of a Member of Parliament, which is £74,000 a year. This basic wage for MP’s is just the scratch of the surface as they and entitled to other expenses, see below.

So, who is the most valued MP’s or Public Sector Personnel / Services. It is absurd that the FAT CATS that sit and argue like school children, rather than professional peers in the House of Commons They were elected to represent the people of the UK, but a majority seem to have no interest in what the people concerns and more interested in implementing further austerity measures that they continue to undertake and the lining of their own pockets, while the working class become poorer.

Unfortunately, class dived in the UK is extremely evident and there is only two classes of citizens, wealthy and working class, which are poor. Over the last month the Members of Government have shown through their lack of action, which they have continued to date, by not pro-actively supporting the working class (poor class) during the horrific incidents.

MP’s basic wages have increased by approximately 117% since 1996 and continues to raise further in the future. Although the previous UK Prime Minister David Cameron, on 24 May 2015 announced that he intended to freeze ministerial pay for the next five years. However, this was implemented as nine days later on the 2 June 2015 ministerial pay was to increase at the same time as MP’s basic pay was increased. Their basic wage can increase dramatically with the other expenses and perks that they are entitled to claim, see below.

Many MPs (ministers, the Speaker, senior opposition leaders, opposition chief whip, etc.) receive a supplementary salary for their specific responsibilities. As of 1 April 2015 these additional entitlements range from £15,025 for Select Committee Chairs, £74,990 for the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister’s total salary would therefore increase from £142,500 to £149,440.

Cabinet Ministers would increase from £134,565 to £141,505.

Total salary for ministers would increase from £89,740 to £96,375.

Total salary for parliamentary under-secretaries would increase from £89,435 to £96,375.

Unfortunately the full details of current ministerial pay at all levels have yet to be published on either the UK Parliament website or that of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Here is a list of other expenses that Member of Parliament are entitled to0:

Office expenses

Office running costs

Staffing costs

Travel: staff

Centrally purchased stationery

Postage costs

Central IT costs

Communications Allowance

Expense outside IPSA

MPs are entitled to claim £9,000 a year for postage and stationery (financial year 2015-16). This amount is in addition to any stationery and postage costs which Members may have reimbursed under the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’s expenses Scheme.

Housing, second home, and travel

MPs receive allowances towards having somewhere to live in London and in their constituency, and travelling between Parliament and their constituency.

Cost of staying away from main home

Travel: car

Travel: rail

Travel: bike

Travel: European

Pension arrangements

Ps will normally receive a pension of either 1/40th or 1/50th of their final pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service depending on the contribution rate they will have chosen. Members who made contributions of 13.75% of their salary gain an accrual rate of 1/40th. State contributions for MPs are more than four times higher than the average paid out by companies for final-salary schemes, but they are not significantly more generous than most public-sector pensions.

If an MP stands down during the course of a Parliament for ill health reasons, an ill health retirement grant is payable, calculated in the same way as the Resettlement Grant (as well as an immediate pension based on the service the MP would have accrued if he or she had continued to serve until age 65)

Resettlement Grant and Winding-up Allowance

On leaving the House of Commons, an MP will be entitled to what is essentially severance pay.

Resettlement Grant

The Resettlement Grant is the name given to the MPs’ severance pay package. It may be claimed to help former MPs with the costs of adjusting to life outside parliament. It is payable to any Member who ceases to be an MP at a General Election. The amount is based on age and length of service, and varies between 50% and 100% of the annual salary payable to a Member of Parliament at the time of the Dissolution.

In the UK the first £30,000 of severance pay is tax free. As stated above, the amount retiring MPs, or those who lose their seats receive, depends on how old they are and how long they have served in the House. For example, an MP who stays in office for one term (say 5 years) and then leaves office will currently receive tax-free severance pay of 50% of his current salary, or £32,383 at current rates – equivalent to an annual salary increment of over £12,000 at current tax rates and pay scales.

For the 2010–15 Parliament, only MPs defeated in their attempt to be re-elected will get one month’s salary for each year served, up to a maximum of six months or over £33,000. From the start of the 2015 Parliament, it will be replaced by a “Loss of Office Payment”, at double the statutory redundancy payment. “For the ‘average’ MP, who leaves office with 11 years’ service, this may lead to a payment of around £14,850.

Winding-up Allowance

There is also up to £42,000 on offer to pay for winding up staff contracts and office rent. An allowance of up to one third of the annual Office Costs Allowance was paid for the reimbursement of the cost of any work on Parliamentary business undertaken on behalf of a deceased, defeated or retiring Member after the date of cessation of Membership. On 5 July 2001 the House agreed to change the allowance to one third of the sum of the staffing provision and Incidental Expenses Allowance in force at the time of cessation of Membership.

Summer Recess

Parliament takes a break of around 45 days for the summer. This is not only for holiday, but so that MPs can spend more time away from Parliament in their constituencies to do work there.

An MP’s term of office can be minimum of five years unless they become ill or do something dramatic that would affect their term. This position is a cash cow and they could earn £500,000 + in a term those take a place in the House of Commons. What becomes evident is that majority of the people who take up the position of Member of Parliament, actually join with the good intentions and have a desire to bring change and work on behalf of the people of the United Kingdom.

However, this soon changes as in every high-wage position, as a majority seem to change after a short period of time, once they realise that they cannot bring change to an institute that is focused on enhancing the wealth of their peers. This causes the new elected MP to become more interested in defending their position and protecting their enhancement of new wealth through their salary increment. Austerity effects the working class people of the UK and these continued measures of keeping budget cuts and caps on pay is in the interest of the UK Government Members of Parliament. Any increase in the taxes of corporations or high-net worth individuals will affect the Members of Parliament. This is why the current government is reluctant to raise taxes of corporates and high net-worth individuals

List of person voted to keep the pay cap, no surprises

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/public-sector-pay-cap-all-mps-vote-against-list-austerity-freeze-labour-jeremy-corbyn-conservatives-a7813706.html

UK PARLIAMENT VOTE TO CONTINUE WITH ONE PERCENT (1%) CAP ON PUBLIC SERVICES, WHILE THEY LINE THEIR POCKETS UK PRIME MINISTER makes a deal with DUP to secure her position by offering an increase of £1 billion increase in spending for Northern Ireland for the next two years.