to worry about the slippery slope of taking away the universal benefit of winter fuel allowance

[verasomerset]

So now ids will be taking away this formally universal benefit to some people in warmer countries.

This strikes me as very unfair as it is a universal benefit that is not means tesed. The people living is Spain will have paid all their tax and stamp just like everyone else. Also it is sometimes the poorest people that have moved to Spain due to high UK costs and releasing equity in their UK home, these people may need it for air con.

I don't think people living abroad should get it - it is to cover the cost of heating in the winter. People go abroad to get away from the cold winters of Britain, so I am assuming it is pleasantly warm in wherever they flock to - so no need to ramp up the heating.
My DD is severely disabled and immobile. We need the heating on all the time to keep her from getting hypothermia. She only qualifies for the extra payments that are made if the temperature drops below freezing for 7 days in a row. She doesn't qualify for the annual lump sum that the pensioners get. There will be many others below retirement age in a similar position. I wouldn't fancy sitting in a house with no heating on when the weather outside is 2 or 3 C - but that doesn't qualify for any assistance.

I encouraged my dad to apply for attendance allowance for my mum I helped him with the forms they don't actually need the income but my mum is very disabled she can hardly walk he got it witihin two weeks.