Winter fuel payments

[dearydeary]

I have just heard on the news that this is being discussed again and they are considering reinstating them.

While I think that people who are on a lower income (pension credit for example) may need additional help I do not think this should be a universal benefit any more.

It appears the government is still looking for votes. What about everyone else in society? Younger people at universities or just starting out? Individuals with disabilities?

Surely we need to be moving to a more means tested approach as the finances need rebalancing?

Where pensioner need help, I am happy to support but many older folk have benefited from good pensions, valuable house price increases and a stable employment market. This is not the situation for many of us any more.

Have I lost the plot?

I absolutely agree it should be means tested. My partners parents are sitting on a goldmine of assets, pensions, investments etc. They don’t struggle in any way, but dear god we never heard the end of ‘that Starmer taking away our winter fuel allowance’. They don’t need it, but they don’t want the ‘boat people’ to have it (they listen to Farage way too much) 🤦🏻‍♀️

I don't agree on removing free bus passes though, I think that should be encouraged for uptake - my 89 yr old grandmother can’t drive any longer, but using the bus has been able to keep her independence when she was so upset having to give up the car for medical reasons.

This Labour Government are weak and desperate.

A subsidised bus fair for all users would be fairer and encourage uptake/lifetime habits.

Better public transport for all (cheaper and higher quality) is a massive driver for economic growth. Birmingham could see a huge increase in productivity once it has a decent public transport system, for example.

It's the proposed pip cuts they need to reverse or least scale back. Going ahead will be catastrophic for many people and families. I feel sick that they are doing this. Elderly people get a lot of consideration overall. Even the bedroom tax rules don't affect them. How about sick and disabled people who didn't chose this kind of life?

Would people use it though? Realistically how many people would use public transport for work rather than driving or take the kids in to town on the bus. People prefer to be in their own cars.

If it were cheaper and more reliable then more folk would. Lots of folk can't afford cars either.

Yupp. My in laws use it for a holiday away!

Holiday, can't be much of a holiday then.

It's ok,they go to their 3rd property in Spain and use the money to pay for the flights, car hire etc.
They have a 4 bed house now worth £950k in UK, 3 bed house rental income bringing in c. £1600, and their holiday villa in Spain, a 4 bed with a pool. ETA. Which they regularly rent out to their friends and get a nice other income.

Poor mites, they needed that winter fuel allowance...

They made the right decision. They need to stick with it

They were getting £600 odd. That's enough for 2 retirees to go away! They would be able to have term time holidays, able to leave whenever. They've had some bargains, including cruises etc

They were getting £600 odd. That's enough for 2 retirees to go away! They would be able to have term time holidays, able to leave whenever. They've had some bargains, including cruises etc

I thought it was £300 per household over 80 and £200 per household under 80

Means tested defo, honestly some of the pensioners around by where I live drive brand new cars and are always away on holiday. I can't afford that. I say this is what they should be doing but they clearly don't need a top up for fuel whereas plenty of people working age would benefit instead

Agree with this. There are some real anomalies where someone on Pension Credit could now be better off than someone who (just) doesn’t qualify - that doesn’t seem fair.

Totally agree

My drive to work is 25 mins - and costs say £5?
to get public transport... 3.5 hours by train (5 changes) and would cost £78

I couldnt even get the bus time table, as but i found a place to give a quote and it was £15 and 1 hour 25

Of course need to add the time to get to the bus stop, or train station

What I don’t understand is the government’s argument that it’s too expensive to means test. Maybe I’m missing something but either your income is solely benefits, in which case they should know your income because they’re paying it, or you’re paid through payroll in which case they’ve got your P60 amount. Anything other/additional income would be declared on a tax return? Surely that’s a two minute job checking HMRC?

That’s got to be more cost effective than giving it to everyone across the board?

They must be very old to get all this and I did think it was per household, never mind you will soon inherit it all and be able to pay lots of inheritance tax.

My mum has million in the bank. How on earth does she need this?

As an older woman married to a pensioner I don’t think it should be reinstated. I don’t think the country can afford the wfp as a universal benefit and we don’t all need it.
I think there are some pensioners just above the cut off point who struggle but not sure the best way to address that.

It needs to be means tested. My parents who are worth about £3m do not need the winter fuel payment! My nana who recently just passed also did not need it! Her income was around £40k with her pensions.

I think the threshold is too low atm and that should be raised.

Yes, they manage it with CB.

it'll be debatable if they save more than it cost to means test

why don’t they just do an opt out there always an army of people saying the don’t want or need it

Oh goody, another ageist thread.