Winter Fuel Allowance.

[Georgiesmum]

Are you concerned at the prospect of losing the winter fuel allowance and bus passes, etc if the Tories dont get in again after the General Election?
How important to you are they?

[EDDIE51]

Georgiesmum it is ONLY for pensioners who have an income of over £50,000 a year that there is a proposal to scrap winter fuel payments and bus passes.
I hardly think it will matter to a pensioner who has £1,000 a week to live on, I can't see them waiting for a bus either.

[seadogg]

That's how we read it Dave. The scare story may have been started by the Tories who are jumping through little hoops to get the pensioners' vote. Maybe this is what you heard Georgiesmum. Re the usefulness, wood for the stove is gratis here but the free bus rides are good in the traffic conditions in town where driving can be a pain.

[Georgiesmum]

Yes, I got this message from David Cameron last week when he was delivering his speech. He said his party was the only party that will guarantee to keep the winter fuel allowance and the bus passes, unlike the labour party and the lib dems. Like someone else said he was probably trying to win favours from the pensioners.

[Jackdaw33]

Whoever gets the grey vote wins the election. Fact.

[Peter Pedant]

Free bus pass is a god send...

[Jackdaw33]

Agreed, PP. In my area, for an extra £12 per year, you can also travel on the Metro (light railway). Given that the cheapest single ticket between two stops is £1.60, I consider that a bargain.

[Ann]

One thing all parties should scrap is the £10 Christmas bonus to all pensioners - while we are not ungrateful, we never notice it and I would like to know how much that is costing the government.

[Ann]

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/money-tax-and-benefits/benefits-and-financial-support/on-a-low-income-1/christmas-bonus.htm

Can't find out how much the total bill is to provide this bonus - does anyone know?

[Jackdaw33]

Agree with Ann. At the time of its introduction it was equivalent to a week's pension. It has never risen with inflation, if if had it would be worth c. £120, so best scrap it rather than insult people.

[Georgiesmum]

I for one would really miss my winter fuel allowance. Mine is used for what its intended for and i am very grateful when it arrives.
Without it my house would be very cold in Winter.