The freezing weather is a stark reminder of why the government’s decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments was cruel & wrong — & why I voted against it in September.
Every winter, elderly people die because they can’t afford to stay warm.
Universal provision saves lives.
Every winter, elderly people die because they can’t afford to stay warm.
Universal provision saves lives.
Comments
I also think Nick Ferrari let the cat out of the bag when he said abolishing the WFP would mean pensioners being unable to afford Christmas presents for their grandchildren.
Well done!
The good news is that you now get to explain why you want progressive taxes but not progressive benefits.
https://bsky.app/profile/lillmagill.bsky.social/post/3ld2i2wf26c2h
The trick for politicians is to keep their natural voters happy. The right have learned how to do this. Labour? They told us they don't want our vote, don't be shocked when they don't get it.
It's a political choice.
its about the top 1% not paying any. there is enough for all. they are just hoarding it amongst themselves
'I'm proud to have been in the parliament that introduced the health service, the welfare state and voted against means testing.' Tony Benn.
You don't tell people on £14k a year "you don't need healthcare because you're rich enough to go private- but you still have to pay for it via your taxes"
My step mother however definitely does, but wont claim pension credit because of pride.
1/2 sister has offered to give her the money but she won't accept "charity"
A better taper perhaps?
If everyone gets it its a lot harder to mess around with cutting it back or doing away with it for those that DO need it.
This is basic economics.
If there is a way to do that with no exploitable loop holes then yes it would be better.
But we are agreed there are pensioners who should not be getting this, & those who are hurt by the cut off
There should be any "not entitled" - I would argue that ensuring EVERYONE regardless of wealth should be provided with heat as a basic function of government. If they want to opt out let them buy solar panels or go on a cruise
Raise taxes, provide basic goods and services universally and EVERYONE wins
Means tested benefits are 100% the right thing, maybe with a 20% higher cut off admittedly
Of course, the government could afford to be more generous then.
Nobody is arguing against the existence of the winter fuel allowance. They're arguing that the ones who spend their winter fuel allowance in M&S don't need it.
https://bsky.app/profile/lillmagill.bsky.social/post/3leu5rfhkss2i
Here you are, this is how money works. And if you aren't convinced by an actual professor, check out the Bank of England website.
Giving out blanket benefits to some of the richest people in society is a huge waste of money.
Focus it on those that need it.
Got any actual figures to back that up. How much money exactly? And how much exactly does means testing cost?
Do you really think she cares?