Governement looking after the `poorer`

Cardew

The Governments stance on Winter Fuel Allowance is that the administrative costs of selective payment only to the less well off would be exorbitant.

So like the tax rebate we are all getting for the fiasco on the 10p tax rate, it is sometimes cheaper to pay small allowances to everyone.

However this raises a far wider issue of who should be paid anything from the Government. For instance many older people simply do not 'need' their State Retirement pension. Few would argue that they shouldn't get it - or that the basic State retirement pension should be means tested.

The argument is that they have paid taxes all their working life(most!) and it is theirs by right. Well Winter Fuel Allownce could be considered an increase in pension.

DGJsaver

esbo wrote: »

Perhaps you will have to sell your Rolls Royce or let out the east wing of your house
:rotfl::rotfl:

What a spectacularly ignorant post
well done

1carminestocky

Am I right in assuming Sir Paul McCartney would qualify for the Winter Fuel rebate?

Cardew

1carminestocky wrote: »

Am I right in assuming Sir Paul McCartney would qualify for the Winter Fuel rebate?

You are; but Heather Mills can't claim half now!

Prince Philip now is entitled to £400 for his main residence.

markbloke

Maybe people who reject benefits they don't need could be given an OBE or something after they've rejected say £10K worth. A cash for honours scheme is something the government could be trusted to handle I think.

ShimSham

whatatwit wrote: »

One of the worst 'handouts' in my mind is the Winter Fuel Heating Allowance.
Why should it be given to everyone over 60 regardless of income.

It could be a godsend to the needy, but I do think it should be means tested and possibly paid in some sort of a non transferable voucher and used for heating payments.

As an earlier poster mentioned, often it is not spent on heating.

The same could be said about child benefit. I remember being disgusted when I learnt that Cherie Blair received this, and that all parents regardless of income were entitled to it.

IMO there should a cut off point, anyone earning £50K or more should not be entitled.

Cardew

ShimSham wrote: »

The same could be said about child benefit. I remember being disgusted when I learnt that Cherie Blair received this, and that all parents regardless of income were entitled to it.

IMO there should a cut off point, anyone earning £50K or more should not be entitled.

Well where do you stop? Should people on high earnings be entitled to a Retirement pension? facilities of the NHS? etc etc

Surely the high earners pay a lot more in Income Tax an National Insurance contributions and other taxes, so they contribute more for the benefits they receive?