tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post8945230285746222071..comments2024-03-28T09:16:33.241+00:00Comments on Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: Responsible Reform report, FundraisingSue Marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14849801822216267250noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-37204000101424623442015-01-21T15:41:05.021+00:002015-01-21T15:41:05.021+00:00Marsh has sold you all down the river, it's gr...Marsh has sold you all down the river, it's great to be proved right by a money mad, attention seeking media whore. Everything she has done is no irrelevant, she has proved that its the money, always the money that is important to herClivegsdhttp://ukcarers.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-32252799521332362232012-03-01T18:52:05.235+00:002012-03-01T18:52:05.235+00:00Re: £400 bank charges. I remember the issue of unr...Re: £400 bank charges. I remember the issue of unreasonable bank charges being in the news a while back, and they're only allowed to pass on charges for costs reasonably incurred in providing the service. Here's one article I came across when I Googled. Sometimes banks will cancel charges if they are politely asked to use their discretion, although it seems they've refused to do so in this instance, so start quoting chapter and verse of the relevant laws at them. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/feb/26/bank-charges-caseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-58893078322462930882012-02-28T16:12:01.394+00:002012-02-28T16:12:01.394+00:00Sue, if you can bring yourself to charge all the £...Sue, if you can bring yourself to charge all the £400 bank charges to the fund, please do. Personally I'd be happiest if you kept the remainder for yourself as a ridiculously tiny compensation for your time. <br /><br />My feeling is that if a new campaign is needed in the future we can't expect you to half kill yourself like this again, so you shouldn't have to worry about keeping a fund in place to manage. <br /><br />What would be left - about £700 - shouldn't be enough to screw up your tax or benefits entitlements (ha!) and I'd very much like to feel that you got some kind of thank-you from us. But you're the boss and you get to decide - we gave you that authority when we gave you the money.<br /><br />Thanks again for keeping us all inspired.misspiggynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-35450748190387679832012-02-27T16:28:24.968+00:002012-02-27T16:28:24.968+00:00It was really bad. I transferred the money from Pa...It was really bad. I transferred the money from Paypal to my bank account to pay for the printing. As I said before, the transfer just didn't happen - for 10 days!!! (they estimate 2-3, I allowed 5)<br /><br />It took me way over our overdraft and I'm not supposed to have one :( The bank were really unhelpful. We showed them proof of the transfer but they just basically refused to give us any grace and said we'd just have to deal with the fees. They've never done that before, I was amazed. In fact the fees came to £400 in total. (I charged £250 of it to the fund as some of it came a day or two later from a late tax rebate cheque too :((()<br /><br />I put as many of the expenses as I could on my credit card as I went along, then, again, transferred the funds when they were available. Over the campaign, the charges were £42<br /><br />As for the PayPal/GoFundMe fees, I went to say "yes that's right" to the previous comment, but I don't think it's quite that simple, and I want to be exact, so as soon as Go Fund Me tell me exactly how it works in practise, I'll tell you :) Watch this space, lolSue Marshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14849801822216267250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-57338142305080185892012-02-27T14:46:12.239+00:002012-02-27T14:46:12.239+00:00Sue, ignore the anonymous troll about the laptop,p...Sue, ignore the anonymous troll about the laptop,phone bill.<br />He/she has been floating around some time now putting in derogatory posts. Frankly I'm susrprised there are so few, as a blog like this usually would attract hundreds.<br /><br />Its our money - we gave it to you for work on our behalf.Its a legitimate an essential expense.<br /><br />there must be a way around this Perhaps an existing charity of repute could host a donation site on our behalf, perhaps Ekklesia? <br /><br />they have a "become a partner" page. why couldn't they add a partner page for spartacus since they supported it. Just an idea. Im no genius about such things. people want to donate, so I don't see why they should be prevented. There are plenty of political think tanks posing as charities, so the NO political cmapigning thing must be able to be got around. Occupy get money from somewhere and that is definitely political campaigning. Put out a tweet and see if someone knows someone who knows how to do it?<br /><br />Hope you are recovering a bit. <br /><br /> http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/about/joinjan2noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-62113648510082925232012-02-27T12:56:09.590+00:002012-02-27T12:56:09.590+00:00Two must-reads from Guardian (sorry, not strictly ...Two must-reads from Guardian (sorry, not strictly about Sue's last blog, but it's all connected to the general horribleness of what the government's dishing out)<br /><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/26/welfare-to-work-nick-harvey<br /><br />and below, the spectre of the future of education???<br /><br />http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2012/feb/26/schools-crusade-gove-murdochFindlownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-70422741332377631922012-02-27T12:36:30.670+00:002012-02-27T12:36:30.670+00:00No way Sue. You do not need to pay back cost for t...No way Sue. You do not need to pay back cost for the production of a report , i.e. the laptop and phone.<br />I'm afraid blogs like yours will always attracts the antis. AngelaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-71664482942957090752012-02-27T12:08:30.063+00:002012-02-27T12:08:30.063+00:00Hello sue.I personally think you should keep the m...Hello sue.I personally think you should keep the money but i know you wont.As for anon at 07.47 saying are you going to pay back the fund for the laptop...well the answer is no no and bloody well NO.....it was a legitimate expense and whoever you are anon go look in a mirror and if you dont see a troll looking back then put yer glasses on....<br />Without you and the team there would have been no report and thats a fact and i would hazard a geuss here that that report was the best researched and presented of any sych report the houses had and probably one of the most influencial.<br />WE know this fight is far from over and it has to continue.WE KNOW they have more planned.<br />AS for the charity well if thats what people want then fine BUT and this is a bloody big but.DONT give any of it to any charity that supports or uses people on one of these bloody work fare or welfare to work slave labour schemes as we know its all a bloody scam and we would be feeding the hand that bites.Really i would much rather you hang on to it or use it yourself,split it between the team even if you want,but i really do think we should keep it open.<br />Oh and use it to pay the parking ticket too thats if anon troll doesnt mind cos i bet him/her/it a penny to a million quid no one else will ...the fight goes on and circumstances will dictate the next move...sarcboynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-20107023026061211472012-02-27T11:51:40.354+00:002012-02-27T11:51:40.354+00:00I agree to keep the fund, we still will need to sh...I agree to keep the fund, we still will need to shout out about what will be happening to people under the welfore reform bill, the bedroom tax, the changing to PIP, more and more people failing atos exams etc. I think we still will need to use it to have a voice for as long as you are able to do this.<br /><br />I think you have used the money for what you said, and what we said to use it for, you have asked us along the way. We all know being ill cost more to do simply tasks that you have to pay other people to do. We all understand the extra costs needed/ We are just very greatful we give it our best shot and at least the powers that be know we are not going to take the onslaught silently.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-21344014884771457752012-02-27T09:39:49.550+00:002012-02-27T09:39:49.550+00:00I think Go Fund Me charge - ie. take a percentage ...I think Go Fund Me charge - ie. take a percentage of funds raised and Paypal always charge fees for transactions. For the sake of transparency it would be best to explain what happened Sue, so no-one can have a go!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-80211380151907319952012-02-27T07:58:53.982+00:002012-02-27T07:58:53.982+00:00re laptop & phone, if this is still an issue. ...re laptop & phone, if this is still an issue. At the outset, you had a laptop and a phone (ie you donated your own equipment to the cause) Working on the report killed the laptop and the phone. The fund replaced the laptop and the phone (by general consensus at the time, as you point out) <br /><br />At the end you had a laptop and a phone. You haven't somehow come out with MORE than you started!Fiona Nicholsonhttps://twitter.com/#!/fionajnicholsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-86427374038003064012012-02-27T07:32:52.854+00:002012-02-27T07:32:52.854+00:00Can you give us the story on the bank fees and Pay...Can you give us the story on the bank fees and PayPal charges? Are they refunding you for their error? And why are PayPal charging 10% - bit of a shocker! <br />I'm not questioning you - I know bank charges are terrifying and usually unexpected, and that they soon add up. I'm just interested to know more, especially about the Paypal side of it. thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-59759280645611209482012-02-26T22:12:19.862+00:002012-02-26T22:12:19.862+00:00Mystery solved! I just found it in my junk folder!...Mystery solved! I just found it in my junk folder!!<br /><br />I can't access that email any more either, so had to use my phone etc etc. <br /><br />Anyway, I will get back to you about it, but i'm taking a bit of a break for a while,so sorry if there's a delay.Sue Marshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14849801822216267250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-42780922624035035802012-02-26T20:50:33.193+00:002012-02-26T20:50:33.193+00:00I agree with the general consensus, that the remai...I agree with the general consensus, that the remaining funds should be retained 'just in case.' And don't even think of paying back the fund for the laptop and phones, absolutely not.<br />..and good luck with the parking ticket! xxIrishmistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-1835588903264849632012-02-26T20:49:05.903+00:002012-02-26T20:49:05.903+00:00I haven't got any emails??? Perhaps that's...I haven't got any emails??? Perhaps that's the problem, perhaps it was the wrong address? Which one are you using?Sue Marshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14849801822216267250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-90642990679662654622012-02-26T20:42:05.879+00:002012-02-26T20:42:05.879+00:00Well I see- kinda- the argument for paying it back...Well I see- kinda- the argument for paying it back, but in which case I do feel that the residue of the fund ought to be paid to Sue as payment- somewhat- for what she has done. It isn't nearly enough to pay her, of course, but as that is where the fund stands, its all that would be able to be paid. <br /><br />Or we could just not be nitpicky and say keep the cheapy laptop. I think it falls under reasonable expenses somehow.<br /><br />Either way, laptop or what is left of the fund,it scarcely compensates for what Sue has put in in terms of time, deteriorating health, absence from the family and so on. I know Sue doesn't want payment. But lets not be churlish about a laptop. Me, I'd like her to have the full 100K such a report ought to have cost, but failing that, a laptop will have to suffice!Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12892914003630993197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-36989751865866855322012-02-26T19:39:38.700+00:002012-02-26T19:39:38.700+00:00Yes I agree, that laptop/phone comment earlier was...Yes I agree, that laptop/phone comment earlier was very unfair. You were precipitated into a frenetic situation, Sue, and went through horrors on our behalves to reach the deadline. A thousand thanks. Amazing, isn't it, that we're even having this conversation - when you think of the way MP's seem to claim for the air they breathe! Of course you musn't return the money - the campaign would have stopped dead without a laptop and phones.<br />As for the remaining funds, I think hang on to them for the future.Findlownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-33377455456310601372012-02-26T19:04:54.088+00:002012-02-26T19:04:54.088+00:00I've just sent you a further e-mail Sue which ...I've just sent you a further e-mail Sue which will identify me. There are ways and means to structure a charity or co-operative of mutual benefit. I'm up for a conversation with others who may be willing, that's all...Revd. Neal Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09542436308490963201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-9310461398665843372012-02-26T18:59:42.115+00:002012-02-26T18:59:42.115+00:00How ridiculous to suggest Sue ought to pay for the...How ridiculous to suggest Sue ought to pay for the laptop and phones. This is clearly a troll comment. No need to justify them, they were legitimate expenses and without them there would have been no report to submit. <br /><br />Urgh fancy breaking down in the rain whilst feeling unwell on that vital day. Thank you to all the people involved in writing the report. You've all endured and suffered and made yourselves sick in order to try to help others.<br /><br />Please keep the money for the fighting fund. It's a generous gesture to give it to charity but we need hope. Please hold on to it just in case. To give it away feels like giving up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-25751308079836542242012-02-26T18:55:46.690+00:002012-02-26T18:55:46.690+00:00I cannot believe the comment regarding paying back...I cannot believe the comment regarding paying back the laptop and telephones!! The financial cost of a campaign of this magnitude would astonish most people. You had used your own laptop and phones for the campaign which obviously wore them out. You gave your time and health freely to this campaign in the interests of justice for all of us. <br /><br />Please do not listen to such narrow minded remarks. If you were a campaign consultant imagine what your pay check would be like today. It is legitimate expenses you have paid out and I would guess you have spent a lot of personal money you can ill aford on top. <br /><br />With the media frenzy investigating everything the government do and say at the moment I believe the funds should be kept so they can be used if need be. With all the evil reforms due to start affecting people I do not think the government have heard the last of us.<br /><br />Personally I would like to say a huge thank you for being a voice of hope and reason amongst the lies and rhetoric this non elected government keep spouting. You have shown you are a lady of courage and dignity and have given the voiceless a voice with complete disregard for your personal health.<br /><br />Slowly, day by day the coalitions lies and deceit are coming out and to be honest it couldnt happen to a better bunch of people than them.Roseynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-22274734198100160072012-02-26T18:19:37.165+00:002012-02-26T18:19:37.165+00:00Do be careful that you don't get taxed on the ...Do be careful that you don't get taxed on the fund as "income". It wouldn't surprise me at all if HMRC decided to call it that. Maybe there's somebody amongst your readers who knows about these things and could advise...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-42406560940985241802012-02-26T17:28:10.035+00:002012-02-26T17:28:10.035+00:00Dont u bloody dare Sue. Those were legitimate exp...Dont u bloody dare Sue. Those were legitimate expenses incurred for the campaign due to excessive use of your existing(personally purchased) ones. You were fully within your rights to use that money to replace them in order to keep the fight going. xxxFibrographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160940663370060399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-57530826173224027342012-02-26T17:24:42.144+00:002012-02-26T17:24:42.144+00:00Ty Sue for all your incredible hard work. I would ...Ty Sue for all your incredible hard work. I would like to see the money kept as a float for any further campaigning. However, that doesn't mean you should feel obliged to do said campaigning, but rather to maybe hand over the reins and the budget should it be required in the future and you are unable to physically deal with the stresses. We love you for everything you have done, and as s stubborn headed sod myself, I know you will keep pushing and fighting till you drop. BUT we really would prefer to keep u alive and kicking and fighting along side us :) HUGS xxxFibrographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160940663370060399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-42988631460357060542012-02-26T17:13:35.470+00:002012-02-26T17:13:35.470+00:00Sadly 'welfare reform' will become self ev...Sadly 'welfare reform' will become self evident to all on the streets of the U.K. and that is where the battle against ultraliberal helotdom and totalitarianism will commence.Fractio Panisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4568034298343558962.post-62011715846192155002012-02-26T16:57:02.895+00:002012-02-26T16:57:02.895+00:00Absolutely not Sue. If you didn't have a lapt...Absolutely not Sue. If you didn't have a laptop which worked and a phone which worked, the report and the campaign which followed - including all the tv , radio etc , would not have happened.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com