Countdown to Brexit

[Mi-Amigo]

The UK leaves the EU at 23.00hrs [11pm] tonight.

According to BBC News online see here 

The British flag has been removed from its pole outside the European Parliament in Brussels and replaced with the flag of the European Union.

A clock counting down to the moment the UK leaves the EU will be projected on to Downing Street.

At 22.00 [10pm]: Boris Johnson will address the nation in a video message.

At 23.00 [11pm], Big Ben will not chime due to ongoing renovation works.

[ComaChameleon]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

Better here then @ComaChameleon 

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@Cleoriff  hm... Not really as it gets misused. Aswell as I like help to help yourself more than just "presents". 

[Cleoriff]

@ComaChameleon I have to disagree.

They aren't 'presents' at all. Disabled people in this country have a Disability Living Allowance. (depending on the level of disability)

They can spend it on a mobility scooter or a car or anything that allows them to be independent. 

If they choose to spend that on a specially adapted car, to maintain independence, then surely that's a good thing?

Better than being trundled off to a care home at a great cost to the public purse and most of them losing the will to live as they become a burden on the country.

How do you know it gets misused?

People claiming have to undergo stringent medical tests by 3-4 specialists over a period of months

Their medical and mental health history is assessed, along with xrays, scans etc where relevant.

So no, they aren't presents. Also some people are unable to help themselves (to quote your comment)

I don't know what goes on in Germany but I do know what happens in the UK as I live here.

[ComaChameleon]

@Cleoriff 

It seems like it's a high expense. Getting it new all 3 years instead of reviewing if it's needed. 

And sure it's a good thing, but why not pay the necessesary alterations to a car they have to pay themself? I mean, I know some people who are disabled and have special needs cars, but they work in normal jobs, buy a car and get help with the extra costs.

So the disability is regulated, but they're treathed as "normal" people. 

How are workplaces for disabled? Here they have to be prefered to other same level applicants.

And for example my grandparents needed to get a new shower (without a step)...So they got a budget of 4000€ to get their bath altered. I think that's fine. 

And for missuse - as Jonsie said above there about refugees and the cars. 

(But it's the same problem here as workless-, social- and childmoney are very high...)

[Cleoriff]

@ComaChameleon 

@jonsieunfortunately came to the system when it was changed to PIP (Personal Independence Payment). It used to be called DLA (Disability Living Allowance)

PIP became far more difficult for people to get benefits.

Those people who were on DLA were assessed every three years. However, if their disability was deemed to be irreversable or degenerative they were put on DLA for life.

They would never improve enough to manage without a disability pension.

I agree that @jonsie had a rough deal but that's due to DLA being disbanded and PIP taking over.

Also getting a car, isn't as simple as it seems. There are only certain cars that are covered by the DLA payment. If you want something different, higher range or much modification, then you have to be prepared to put in a high chunk of money yourself.

As for modifying a car you already have, then I'm afraid that wouldn't work if you were so disabled you couldn't get in or out of the car you had.

I'm not discussing refugees here. I've already made my feelings clear about this country being a benefits free for all for those who take refuge here from other countries.

[jonsie]

What makes me really angry is the fact that PIP is discriminatory and ageist, being over 65 and disabled and not being able to claim mobility allowance is a disgrace

Considering I, and many others, have paid into the government system for 50 years and then deemed too old when I most need help to try and live independently and have a normal life just seems so unfair

Sometimes things like this tip people over the edge. I know we are in lockdown but my lockdown will never end unless I rely on paying for taxis

Travelling by bus is extremely difficult as the nearest bus stop is over half a kilometre from my front door.

I can make it if I'm having a good day and the weather is kind but it's out of the question if there is snow or ice

[Cleoriff]

Totally agree @jonsie Being ove 65 is the time some people need it the most. That's what changed with PIP. The DLA did not put an age limit on it.

[TallTrees]

Brexit ...without a deal ...."we are getting ready" 🤣

BOJO seems to believe that's better now..🥳

[Cleoriff]

Talks are ongoing and can be extended until Dec 31st if need be!!

Not overjoyed to see the Royal Navy patrolling the waters to protect 'our fish'.

[pgn]

The Transition agreement terms need to be examined and ratified by the EU27, and the UK's side is enshrined in law as coming into force at 23:59 on 31-Dec-2020 - so an extension would need to be sought, granted and the legal changes are needed to the UK Law before 31-Dec-2020.

[sheepdog]

The Royal Navy ships in question are specifically designed to be patrol ships and have been doing the same protection work (not just fish) for some considerable time: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/ships/patrol-and-minehunters/river-class