will OAP's loosing out??

Fernbergien.

Superannuation payments were actually tax deductible , so the money we saved for pensions was actually a perk of the job and recognized by the government of the day as being a good thing. Of course we paid tax on income and still pay tax now if we have more income than the tax threshold, that is just the way it is . Neither do I begrudge people who have to claim for help with council tax or rent; I think it would be far better to pay pensions that meant the recipient had enough to live on without having to claim .
And yes I do have a local government pension as I stated on another thread and think myself very lucky to have it .

I think they will need to put up the rate of income tax.

If they need to borrow more money, perhaps a good way will be to increase the amount of money people can put into Government bonds, especially premium bonds. The interest rate is low too.

Please, rascal, no. The last thing we need now with Brexit, the virus and its aftermath is a referendum on the monarchy versus republicanism with all the uncertainty and extra expense that would entail.

After this is over we need to get back on to an even keel and stability is what we will need.

I say that every time the topic comes up dragonfly46. Its quite silly tgat it should be across the board and should be quite easy to 'means test' in this age of computerised everything.

I’m far more worried about my daughter’s generation (she’s 20) who’ve had the best years of their lives at uni snatched away from them and face an uncertain future re: jobs. I’m nearing pension age BTW. Agree with Dragonfly and Ellen.

I'm with you there Dragonfly.

I think a lot of these amounts should be means tested. I do not need a free bus pass, fuel allowance etc but I do think those who do should have it. After all they have paid for it over the years.
I also think that high earners should be taxed more - this is not popular with the electorate but is a fair way of doing things.
I would be happy to pay more tax if I felt it was going to help the NHS for example.

How did we manage before the heating allowance ? It was already reduced by £50 ? I didn't see anyone scratching around then, or indeed complaining.

It's certainly not an " I'm alright Jack " attitude Charleygirl5 as I like many others pay tax too. Tax that I'd already paid when working for the same money I'm now being taxed on----superannuation. I've also been widowed since 1994 so have had no backup nor the extra pension that those retiring later will get.

If it wasn't for my work pension I'd have been able to claim for all kinds of extras, like rent/rates and all the rest.

My " attitude " is that at least we get something and it wouldn't bother me to forego heating and the £10 to give others less fortunate, a chance. I don't have a huge asset like a house at the back of me, as I sold it 20 years ago to help the families get on the housing ladder.

Many on this forum would be willing to lose these allowances as they've all said so in the past when it was discussed, most having husbands/partners.

One thing is for sure and that's the next generation won't be as well-off as we've been !! Think about your GC and GGC.

True. Glad you brought that up Rascal.

What about the huge payment the government pays to the royal family to keep them in the custom they are used to? This is not necessary at all!

There are probably more people living on just a state pension than not EllenVannin please don’t assume that everyone has a second pension and could easily afford to give up the heating allowance etc for many they are a lifeline. I’m sure we’re all going to pay for this pandemic for many many years to come.

EllenV - not ALL pensioners receive a work pension as well as their state one. Indeed, manyj women, who were stay at home Mums or Carers most definitely do not.

I was one of those, looked after my children, cared for my husband with MS, fosterered babies for local authorities. So, my state pension is only brought up to miniumum by Pension Credit. No other money available.

The Bus Pass gives me freedom to get about - the heating allowance, means that I do not have to much worry about keeping my flat warm. Although I do not agree with these 'extras' - think that we should have a proper amount pension for all - and bring us in line with other European countries.

But yes, I do fear that pensioners, and NHS staff, Fire fighters, police, Care workers, bus and train operatives will be very much amongst those who will be suffering from the economic effects of this virus for decades to come.

Not the millionaires, of course, they will be secure and safe and, probably richer than ever. Indeed, did not James Rees Mogg actually comment on how much money this panademic could make him and others like him.

EllanVannin- you have stated before that you are receiving a large pension from work and I personally do not like your attitude of "I am alright Jack" because there are many who are only living on state pensions and many more who have had to wait for the extra years before their state pension kicked in to supplement a small work one.

Because of the present situation, those with savings also cannot rely on the extra help from the interest paid monthly.

I agree, I also think we will be hit hard financially after the pandemic but there are many who have to be helped financially.

TV Licence is August for over 75`s , everything else will have to wait until the autumn statement .
Like was quoted on a NEWS item yesterday , looking a similarity with 2nd world war and borrowing the respective government did then was paid back over 30 plus yeas .
I think the Governments e-petitions webpage would get allot petitions created on it if the OAP situ changed, plus organisations like AGE UK and others which are linked with age related topics would focus and argue against decisions effecting us.
Mick

I've said it before, if we lose the £200 heating payment along with the £10------so what ? If it's going to help the economy in some small way so be it.

As for " freezing " the pension, that doesn't bother me either when we're at least receiving something regularly which is/will be more than the millions of others who've lost businesses, jobs, homes, etc.

TBH, I'm not particularly bothered so long as I can pay my way as with very many pensioners who can do also.

It's not as if we're in the doldrums is it ? All pensioners receive a state pension of sorts as well as a second one through their work.

As for my bus pass which is up for renewal in October, that can wait as well. I'm in no hurry.

Sorry, should of course be “heating”.

I’ve been thinking the same travelsafar. I’m concerned about the hearing allowance though. The thought that anyone, let alone a senior citizen, having to choose between heating and eating is just awful.