Winter Heating Allowance (UK) - Over 60s

[td]

I don't know if any of you watched 'The One Show' on BBC last night (Wednesday 24th Feb)?

There was a piece where an individual is advocating the abolishment of the Winter Heating Allowance for those who don't need it - people living in Portugal being one of the groups highlighted as not being in need. I recall some 'heavy' correspondence in The Resident and The Portugal News some months back whipping up support for the retention of the allowance - for those permanently living in Portugal (there were other places mentioned as well).

Is there really a justification for those who appear to have sufficient wealth and resources to receive £250 each - when there are older people in the UK in greater need given the severity of the Winter we are having to endure?

[EMM]

IT was also front page on the Times last week ( tuesday ).

As it is a discretionary allowance ( not a right ) there is no valid reason why the better off ( and expats ) should receive it.

THe best way forward ( and least controversial ) is to abolish this allowance ,raise the OAP by 5 pounds week and then those who DO NOT pay tax will be no worse off and those who do pay tax will still get a benefit but obviously less.

[Sharen Crane]

I don't know if any of you watched 'The One Show' on BBC last night (Wednesday 24th Feb)?

There was a piece where an individual is advocating the abolishment of the Winter Heating Allowance for those who don't need it - people living in Portugal being one of the groups highlighted as not being in need. I recall some 'heavy' correspondence in The Resident and The Portugal News some months back whipping up support for the retention of the allowance - for those permanently living in Portugal (there were other places mentioned as well).

Is there really a justification for those who appear to have sufficient wealth and resources to receive £250 each - when there are older people in the UK in greater need given the severity of the Winter we are having to endure?

Before people start posting can I just point out that the statement of £250 each is incorrect. The payment is for the household, so for a married couple, both over 60, for the winter of 2009/10, the Winter Fuel Payment is £250 per household (£400 where you or your partner are aged 80 or over).

Thought I should make that clear before any debate begins on the subject

[laserblazer]

I didn't think I got that much. I spent mine on booze

[Michael Crane]

I didn't think I got that much. I spent mine on booze

Mine went on car hire.

[DaveK]

Mine went on both

[laserblazer]

I'm regretting it now, with the cold winter and no money to heat the house. Luckily, I'm too p!ssed to notice.

[td]

That's a pleasant surprise, given the hoo-ha in the two papers some months ago - I expected there to be some defending the 'right' to have it. It begs the question - who are those living here in Portugal who believe they have a right to that allowance - put your hands up

Being the kind person that I am I put 'ours' into the Help the Aged donation envelope and handed it in to their shop - made me feel good

[Michael Crane]

I'm regretting it now, with the cold winter and no money to heat the house. Luckily, I'm too p!ssed to notice.