Selfsufficientish.com

Yes, 123sologne, it's a fascinating thread. You've probably hit the nail on the head. Inequality is, as they say these days, the elephant in the room. It's there and it's big and no-one takes a blind bit of notice of it.

It begs a question such as, "Given the visibly greater equality and its benefits elsewhere, why do people continue to vote against their own interests?"

Mmm. How many people last year voted for the voices shouting 'Fairness For All', only to find themselves sold down the river at the first opportunity?
I, for one, will put my hand up and admit that I am one of those people who fell for Clegg's promises to help those who needed it most, and bring more equality to society. Big mistake. I should have known that an old Etonian's idea of fairness was probably completely different to mine....

Actually, I take that back. The b%stard went to Westminster School, not Eton. He probably had to use public transport and everything. You know, with coloured people, and people wearing clothes from Primark.

The points that worry me most in the VAT increase is that:
1. It goes on fuel (on top of the fuel price increase and fuel duty increase)which will put up the price of every single item that is delivered to a shop, store or market.
2. It goes on home fuel and power, which will put up the cost for anyone who doesn't produce their own electricity, and everyone who uses gas or oil.

As Old Jerry says rural life is still achievable in much of Europe. In Cyprus rural villages still flourish and we find the villagers are less consumerist and materialistic. They, even if they have jobs, still grow some or most of their own food and a lot of swapping and bartering goes on. Less individualistic and more co-operative lifestyles.[/quote]

That' s why it's so important (and I'm more than aware that I'm talking to the converted here,but I still want to say it):
Ex pats MUST FIT IN WITH THESE COMMUNITIES, to do any thing else is to risk changing what was attractive in the first place.To a great extent thats whats happened in many rural areas of the UK,and I know a number of Italians who think it's happened in Tuscany too.

Sorry for the pedantic, uninteresting post, but

snapdragon wrote: 2. It goes on home fuel and power, which will put up the cost for anyone who doesn't produce their own electricity, and everyone who uses gas or oil.

No it doesn't. VAT on home fuel and power is still 5%.

snapdragon wrote:The points that worry me most in the VAT increase is that:

2. It goes on home fuel and power, which will put up the cost for anyone who doesn't produce their own electricity, and everyone who uses gas or oil.

Nope - VAT on gas and electricity at least is still at 5% ...

Ooops should read the whole thing first - agree with Zech

Interesting points made in this thread.