winter fuel payment

Errata

Snowbird wrote: »

I am not sure of the point you are making. The post refers to fuelling a debate. What is wrong with a debate?
Many people think WFA should be means tested. Others think it is part of the pension to which they have contributed. What is wrong with a discussion on that?
That is quite different from your criticism that people "even" spend it on presents. Something which you appear to disapprove of. However, what people spend their own money on is their own business. I am sure my dinner companions have more things to spend their time on than wondering about/making judgements on what you or any other people spend their money on.
It is largely irrelevant of course, because expenses can come out of different pockets and the fact that some say they are spending it on this, or spending on that, is rather light hearted. A point which most people seem to get.
The debate about whether it should be means tested of course is a perfectly reasonable and valid debate.

My bold: The plain fact is that it was created by the government of the day in place of an appropriate increase in the SRP that year, and then continued to be paid as a yearly lump sum

iris

thorsoak wrote: »

Mine landed in my bank a/c yesterday - today I ordered 250 litres of heating oil - which will cost me £248. At least that will keep me warm for the winter ....provided it doesn't last until March!

That seems really expensive. We have just taken delivery of 500 litres of heating oil and paid less than that.

borkid

thorsoak wrote: »

Mine landed in my bank a/c yesterday - today I ordered 250 litres of heating oil - which will cost me £248. At least that will keep me warm for the winter ....provided it doesn't last until March!

Are you a member of an oil club? This weekend's price via my club is 45p ( just under) per litre so about half of what you've paid but there is a 500lt minimum order.

iris

borkid wrote: »

Are you a member of an oil club? This weekend's price via my club is 45p ( just under) per litre so about half of what you've paid but there is a 500lt minimum order.

BoilerJuice are quoting 43p per litre (plus VAT) at the moment in my area (min 500 lt).

Thorsoak, you are paying more than double this per litre:eek:

thorsoak

iris wrote: »

That seems really expensive. We have just taken delivery of 500 litres of heating oil and paid less than that.

Sorry - my mistake - it was 500 litres I ordered (and it has been delivered already).

MABLE

margaretclare wrote: »

I was very much against these 'vote-catchers', WFP, bus pass, at the time they were introduced, but I've mellowed over time. If the powers-that-be insist on sending it then I can probably find a good use for it, and I would guess that most people can. I have heard of WFP being used towards 'winter sun' holidays and even for buying grandchildren's Christmas presents!

The one thing I have some control over is the bus pass and I won't have one of those. WFP arrives without being asked for and as said before, 'every little helps'.

I understand it does not cost anything to issue the bus pass as such and have had one for about 4 years. However just because it is issued to me does not mean I have to use it because it is there. I cycle and walk a great deal to keep active. I think iusing the bus or car all the time makes some and only some very lazy and can be decremental to their health because they do not take regular exercise.

Farway

MABLE wrote: »

I understand it does not cost anything to issue the bus pass as such and have had one for about 4 years. However just because it is issued to me does not mean I have to use it because it is there. I cycle and walk a great deal to keep active. I think iusing the bus or car all the time makes some and only some very lazy and can be decremental to their health because they do not take regular exercise.

Agree, I no longer cycle due to wonky knees, the original intention of bus passes was to get older folk out of the house and into the local area instead of sitting on the sofa watching TV

I walk, but catch bus home with the shopping

zygurat789

margaretclare wrote: »

I was very much against these 'vote-catchers', WFP, bus pass, at the time they were introduced, but I've mellowed over time. If the powers-that-be insist on sending it then I can probably find a good use for it, and I would guess that most people can. I have heard of WFP being used towards 'winter sun' holidays and even for buying grandchildren's Christmas presents!

The one thing I have some control over is the bus pass and I won't have one of those. WFP arrives without being asked for and as said before, 'every little helps'.

Obviously not but it is your choice.
Given the cost of local transport I think I would be better off if they stopped the WFP rather than scrapped the bus passes.

seven-day-weekend

I too would rather have the bus pass than the WFA, if one of them was to be stopped.

Newly_retired

I do agree.
I love my bus pass.
It saves me £3.60 bus fare into town, or, more importantly, saves a bigger sum to park the car, avoids hassle and congestion.