Yes, you can use your savings. Savings are income. The only reason for savings is to consume in the future. Believing that you should have permanent savings tha

Yes, you can use your savings. Savings are income. The only reason for savings is to consume in the future. Believing that you should have permanent savings that can't be used for consumption is just out of this world...I would speak to someone who has no money. The welfare state exists for people who need help, not those who wish the state to keep them in a luxury to which they have become accustomed. EDIT: most benefits pay out £4-5k/year, saying £18k is "peanuts" is...a little sickening...it is a monumental amount of money to people on benefits. I would talking to someone who is homeless and tell them that £18k is "peanuts" to you. What an utterly middle-class/greedy sentiment.