Winter Fuel Allowance Reinstated

Michael12

The Government as done it,
Mick

The headlines do say the gov has done a U turn. But the specifics are a bit vague.

Apparently Mr Starmer said this

"But asked about the policy at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir announced that he wants to ensure more pensioners are eligible"

So I don't think it's a full reversal. But a raising of the cap for which people are eligible. Maybe they will raise it to those on state pension level only. Which would be something at least.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/winter-fuel-cuts-u-turn-labour-starmer-b2755288.html

You had me excited for a moment there! But if he's just talking about it, it'll probably just be all bluster and sound bites and hope it goes away. Either that or raise the means testing level by £50 or something!

I think he should bite the bullet and reverse the whole decision. Anything else is likely to cost more in the long run. Introducing it as a first move was a silly mistake and reversing it will get it out of the news fastest. Anything else will create an aggrieved tier of people below there cut-off point.Consider it as a bonus for pensioners. Many salaried public sector workers are paid more than they 'need'.

I dislike the talk that makes pensioners look like shameless scroungers. This is not their fault.

David49

If he backs down on this he will fail to improve the economy he will get the U turn label, more pressure on every unpopular decision.

It’s quite obvious that he won’t back down though, isn’t it. There will definitely be eligibility criteria, it won’t go back to a universal payment system. Quite rightly in my view.

Is listening to people's concerns wrong?

Lovetopaint037

It wasn’t long ago when people were complaining about wealthy people who didn’t need it but still getting it. Can’t understand why it could not be determined by the rate of tax you pay. Surely the higher taxed earners could forego the WFA while normal tax earners receive it. Or is that too simple?

Higher rate tax payers changes from year to year it would be a nightmare to administer

If he backs down on this he will fail to improve the economy he will get the U turn label, more pressure on every unpopular decision.

It isn't that simple. It's better to read the other thread where all this is explained.

It wasn’t long ago when people were complaining about wealthy people who didn’t need it but still getting it. Can’t understand why it could not be determined by the rate of tax you pay. Surely the higher taxed earners could forego the WFA while normal tax earners receive it. Or is that too simple?

And applying for it will probably be very complicated!

If it's means tested in future that will probably cost more than it saves.

Starmer is just dangling a carrot. He’ll put it off for as long as he can.

Michael12

The Government as done it,
Mick

No, the government hasn't.

They're thinking about it, considering it, reviewing it, consulting about it. Stalling for time, in other words.

Whatever does or does not happen it will be a traditional government mish-mash and an administrative Spaghetti Junction.

Think you’re wrong there Mick!

I will believe it when I see it though Diane Abbot MP was calling for it to be reinstated.

I don't think it has been reinstated in its former iteration. Sir Keir has said he wants more people to have access to it.