How cold is it where you are?

[Icanthinkformyselfthanks]

Are you worried about the old people who are too concerned about paying their bills because they’ve lost their WFA to put their heating on/up?

Minus 6 at the moment. Even with heating our sitting room is too cold to use.

No. Pensions have gone up and those who need the winter fuel payment are getting it.

got down to about -10 last night
warmed up to -4 by 10ish this morning
Only supposed to get to -7 tonight.

On Sunday I think we will get temperatures above freezing to help the foot of snow that fell last weekend melt.

Yes, I really feel for anyone who has to think twice about heating their home, or not, in this weather

Its freezing, Im worried about anyone who is struggling to pay bills, the WFA is a red herring because there will be people on coin operated heating that charges the earth, already in debt, people who are just on the threshold for reciving help so dont get the help.

My hands are frozen and the heating is full on and we have a log burner. Im layered up so much its uncomfortable to sit comfortably

Their pensions have increased more than the benefits of young families who also are struggling to put the heating on. Are you concerned about them too?

@Barleycat , but everything has gone up too; the increase in pension won’t compensate for losing the WFA and what’s more you have to be a savvy form filler to ensure getting the WFA that does not describe most frail elderly people who often stress about paying their bills. People will die.

-4 due to be -6 later here in Oxfordshire

Our sitting room also, with deep rugs, heavy curtains, deep sofas, just chilly -
we have laid old towels along window ledges to absorb some of the cold,
tucked curtains up onto window ledges, the cold is piercing the walls

After a few days away, my elderly mum returned home this evening to a bitterly cold house although she left the heating thermostat on at 15. She has indeed lost her WFA which has determined her reluctance to up the temperature to 21deg and leave it on overnight for heavens sake in defiance of those who believe she shouldn’t need that much comfort and be old and cold.
She has her electric blanket on to warm the bed, switches it off before she retires.
I know she has eaten warm food. She is too cold to venture into her shower, her fingers are numb but she is concerned about cost of having the elec towel rail on.
She can see her breath in the bedroom. Its so frustrating, this resistance.
She will not be the only elderly person in this vicious cold spell wih the same mindset.

My parent lost the allowance but didn’t need it at all. Ridiculous that it wasn’t means tested in the first place

Minus 11 here in rural Northumberland. Got my oil heating blasting and my multifuel stove fully stoked up and bleazing. ABSOLUTELY baltic but cosy indoors. Really feel for those homeless and less fortunate. I couldn't imagine what they go through. Prayers for all on streets and less fortunate.

I'm worried but thankfully our local authority has stepped in with funds for grants. Obviously that means cuts will need to be made elsewhere though.

My MIL lost it too.
FIL has just died and it's come to light they were practically millionaires. Stockpiling money they wouldn't spend.
There's help available with form filling if you ask.

Yes, we've had lots of elderly people spending more time in the cafe at our supermarket because they can stay warmer. Outside of the MN bubble people really are struggling.

-6, I'm one of those old people but fortunately don't need the WFA, many do though.

Minus 5. I'm in bed with the electric blanket on and the dog and child in with me.
In this weather I go to bed at the same time as daughter so I don't have to heat anything.

I've got one of the old style gas meters, it eats money.

My dad lost the WFA, and cusses blind about it. My mum still works, and they really don't need it.
I am on UC, and on less than a pensioner. I get no WFA.
Saying that, I don't feel the cold much. House is 12 at the mo, and I am in thermal clothing and feel fine. I know it is different for the elderly, before anyone pounces on me.

No, I am no more worried about them, than I am about low income people, with young children, who will be suffering, due to the energy company's greed, and our Governments failure to do anything about their grabbing price hikes. It really is a disgrace, a total scandal.

-4 at the moment. Husband and daughter in hoodies and under blankets. I’m in a t shirt. I just don’t get cold.

WRT the pensioners, those on lower incomes are still getting the WFP. It wasn’t right that pensioners who are wealthy got that support. I think maybe the threshold was set a bit wrong but overall I’m in favour.

• 2 here (I'm in the SE so I guess it's not too bad compared to lots of you!). We have our heating on first thing & then 3:15pm onwards (for when the kids get home). DH & I don't tend to have it on during the day. Although we have this week!! Have it on all day at wkends & over Xmas when kids are here. I feel so sorry for old people that are too scared to turn their heating on (many of them have worked hard all their lives & are now having to decide between eating or heating). There's also been a rise of older people at the food bank.

Minus 2 that should say!!

I don't actually know the temperature but it's very cold and snowy outside. The house is nice and toasty though. Im actually a bit hot.

Means testing costs more than the fund itself which is why they don't do it

The money would be better going to adult social care, a lot more are likely cold and eating poor diets because of losing the ability to properly make judgement calls and care for themselves adequately whilst still living independently without the right care.
Ones not receiving the allowance should have enough money as long as they're not suffering with self neglect issues, which needs more social care support to be available rather than direct money.

-4 here.

My pensioner parents can afford to heat their home without the WFA to a comfortable temperature.

I can't.

-4 here.

I am fortunate to receive the warm home discount and I also overpay into my energy account so I can afford to heat the house to a reasonable temperature. Feel very lucky.

-3