OT Fuel Allowance

[frogmiller]

I thought about mentioning it when this subject was last raised, but had better things to do at the time.

The problem with the winter fuel debate is that it is framed in terms of pensioners all being war heroes who now sit in front of a candle with fingerless gloves.

The reality is that many current pensioners have access to defined benefit pensions that younger people can only dream of. And it's those younger people who have been paying tax to fund a hitherto un-targetted benefit.

When did the ration books stop?

Most pensioners will have seen those. Most will as kids seen the areas where they lived have to be rebuilt.

Every single one of them will have shared a bath and used an outside toilet.

They’ve all paid into a government system forcall of their working lives.
Regardless of how much they’ve paid in they have been part of the reason that Britain is one of the richest countries in the world.

And at the side of what they’ve given they’re now seeing pur irregular immigration to a level they’ve never seen.
They’re seeing those irregular migrants getting put up in hotels and given meals for free with spending money and the use of a phone.

Can’t see any equality in that!

You young uns!

[Yak]

When did the ration books stop?

Most pensioners will have seen those. Most will as kids seen the areas where they lived have to be rebuilt.

Every single one of them will have shared a bath and used an outside toilet.

They’ve all paid into a government system forcall of their working lives.
Regardless of how much they’ve paid in they have been part of the reason that Britain is one of the richest countries in the world.

And at the side of what they’ve given they’re now seeing pur irregular immigration to a level they’ve never seen.
They’re seeing those irregular migrants getting put up in hotels and given meals for free with spending money and the use of a phone.

Can’t see any equality in that!

You young uns!

Yes a few oldies may die but as long as the young people aren’t affected it’s ok isn’t it.
How many pensioners did Labour say would die when the tories wanted to do this?
I think it’s call hypocrisy.

[caytonmiller]

I totally agree with the means tested fuel allowance.. why should folks get it who don't need it. After all it is a benefit for the needy ..
Yes there are some folk on the borderline who could do with it who won't get it but with means testing there always will be.

[RU66]

Said this before anyone whose income is below the national living wage should get the fuel allowance. Some pensioners who are below that now who won't get it will be on less than some of those on credits benefits after what they don't pay on utility bills.

[Stansmate]

God weve got some right arrogant selfish sods on this one !!

Hello !!!

People will suffe and die as a result of this 😡😡😡😡😡

[Stansmate]

Suffer !!!

[KerrAvon]

I don't think people assume that all pensioners are 100 years old, also there are plenty of pensioners that have never heard of a defined benefit pension

That's exactly my point. Pensioners aren't a homogeneous mass of poor people in the way that elements of the press are seeking to portray them for the purposes of this debate. There are some who need support and some who don't.

[frogmiller]

Yes a few oldies may die but as long as the young people aren’t affected it’s ok isn’t it.
How many pensioners did Labour say would die when the tories wanted to do this?
I think it’s call hypocrisy.

Incredible decision and an outcry!

Their contributions built the NHS as well as their labour that rebuilt the UK.
Regardless of how much of a pension they have or how much savings they have our parents, grand parents deserve it.
There could be a charity set up for those that are rich enough to donate it if they wish.
This labour leadership is worse than Thatcher!

[OneJohnnyQuinn]

That's exactly my point. Pensioners aren't a homogeneous mass of poor people in the way that elements of the press are seeking to portray them for the purposes of this debate. There are some who need support and some who don't.

OK you win I have better things to do at the moment

[KerrAvon]

Incredible decision and an outcry!

Their contributions built the NHS as well as their labour that rebuilt the UK.
Regardless of how much of a pension they have or how much savings they have our parents, grand parents deserve it.
There could be a charity set up for those that are rich enough to donate it if they wish.
This labour leadership is worse than Thatcher!

You appeared to have recognised that not every pensioner needed the benefit back in September:

My mother has worked all her life and indeed at 75 she is still working for a food bank in sunnyside.

She’s on pension credits,

She was divorced with 3 kids and wasn’t able to contribute to an additional pension!

My father and my step mother aren’t on pension credits and will lose £500 of their spending power. They may struggle paying their green fees.

They were able to contribute to an additional pension!

It’s a shame you can’t see the full picture!

What changed?