What Will You Do With 10 Million Frozen Pensioners, Rachel?

When it comes to pensioners heating their homes it's as well to remember not all homes are created equal. I live in a very old, very small house, but it's a cold house. It takes a lot more to heat than my friend's much larger, modern, well insulated house. I have single skin walls so no possibility of cavity insulation, my loft is insulated, I have double glazing, there's nothing else I can do. I won't freeze, and I'm not complaining about my loss of WFA, I'll manage to heat my home but I do spend a bigger proportion of my income on heating than many others have to. For two pensioners on the same state pension there could be very marked differences between their fuel needs. Just something to consider when people are saying they manage why can't others.

Why do Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer et al on salaries over £100k pa, still feel its ok for them to claim their heating etc., on their (non-taxable) expenses, receive numerous freebies while expecting the majority of pensions to manage on an annual income below £20k (taxable) and then 'steal' the measly £300 winter fuel allowance? It truly beggars belief.

Susz it certainly does beggar belief but try getting some on here to see it that way!

Bloody hell, we've all paid tax!!
The politics of envy?

Starmer is envious of people who are well off, then?

It isn't anyone here who bought in the latest measures, it's the government.
Envy.... pfffft!

I don't think it is just those you mention, susz. I believe all M.P.s pay for their energy and then can claim it back

This labour lot are determined to cull the pensioners. Some now having to pay tax on their meagre pension and now they want to get rid of the 25% council tax reduction for single households and our bus passes. I never voted them in nor did I vote conservative but of the 2 I think I would be better off under the conservatives!

Susz take no notice, you are absolutely spot on with your post.

WASPI women are all pensioners, if we were compensated for our lost years before we all die then none of us would be cold this winter. There might be a few cold men though.

There are lots single occupancies, so it's hardly going to just affect pensioners.

Yes, all MP's all have their wages and claim expenses for doing the job, regulated independently by IPSA.

Separate from gifts, and I might add, a check of gifts to some Tories - Jenrick a prime example - amount to the same or more than Starmer, we just dont hear about it.

Personally I think gifts should be regulated or banned.

BevSec

Susz take no notice, you are absolutely spot on with your post.

Oh go on! Sock to us about Reform. Who do they care about?

MissAdventure

There are lots single occupancies, so it's hardly going to just affect pensioners.

I never said it would only affect pensioners although it will affect many of them.

Excellent conference speech by Sir Keir Starmer👏👏👏 This country will be fine under a Labour government

I would like to see energy companies' being forced to reduce the standing charges. Over the summer months about a third of my charges were made up of the standing charges. No matter how little fuel low users use, they will always be disproportionately affected because everybody pays the same, however much fuel they actually use.

Just checked. I'm currently paying 77.06p a day for standing charges (and I expect most people are paying about the same). That's £281.27 a year, which is almost as much as the WFA would have been.

Thegrandmarniter

WASPI women are all pensioners, if we were compensated for our lost years before we all die then none of us would be cold this winter. There might be a few cold men though.

Glad you mentioned men!

BevSec

Susz it certainly does beggar belief but try getting some on here to see it that way!

Who?

LizzieDrip

Excellent conference speech by Sir Keir Starmer👏👏👏 This country will be fine under a Labour government

Yes. It was good wasn’t it.

Rosie51

When it comes to pensioners heating their homes it's as well to remember not all homes are created equal. I live in a very old, very small house, but it's a cold house. It takes a lot more to heat than my friend's much larger, modern, well insulated house. I have single skin walls so no possibility of cavity insulation, my loft is insulated, I have double glazing, there's nothing else I can do. I won't freeze, and I'm not complaining about my loss of WFA, I'll manage to heat my home but I do spend a bigger proportion of my income on heating than many others have to. For two pensioners on the same state pension there could be very marked differences between their fuel needs. Just something to consider when people are saying they manage why can't others.

That's something people should consider when they buy or rent a property.

GardenofEngland

This labour lot are determined to cull the pensioners. Some now having to pay tax on their meagre pension and now they want to get rid of the 25% council tax reduction for single households and our bus passes. I never voted them in nor did I vote conservative but of the 2 I think I would be better off under the conservatives!

Can you point to the source of the announcements that CT reduction and bus passes are being cut, please?

growstuff

I would like to see energy companies' being forced to reduce the standing charges. Over the summer months about a third of my charges were made up of the standing charges. No matter how little fuel low users use, they will always be disproportionately affected because everybody pays the same, however much fuel they actually use.

Just checked. I'm currently paying 77.06p a day for standing charges (and I expect most people are paying about the same). That's £281.27 a year, which is almost as much as the WFA would have been.

I agree, growstuff. The standing charges are very unfair.

growstuff

Rosie51

When it comes to pensioners heating their homes it's as well to remember not all homes are created equal. I live in a very old, very small house, but it's a cold house. It takes a lot more to heat than my friend's much larger, modern, well insulated house. I have single skin walls so no possibility of cavity insulation, my loft is insulated, I have double glazing, there's nothing else I can do. I won't freeze, and I'm not complaining about my loss of WFA, I'll manage to heat my home but I do spend a bigger proportion of my income on heating than many others have to. For two pensioners on the same state pension there could be very marked differences between their fuel needs. Just something to consider when people are saying they manage why can't others.

That's something people should consider when they buy or rent a property.

My goodness you're all heart aren't you? Ever thought that if they've lived in the house for donkey's years it wasn't a consideration then. When I was a lot younger I wasn't so aware this is a very cold house, and fuel bills were never an issue. I could sell my house, but then couldn't afford anything better locally. Should I move 200 miles from my family and friends because then I could afford a newer house built to higher insulating standards?

LizzieDrip

Excellent conference speech by Sir Keir Starmer👏👏👏 This country will be fine under a Labour government

It was very good. Housing for veterans, more apprenticeships, help for those suffering from domestic violence, an obligation for public bodies to tell the truth (it's a disgrace that that is needed, but still), and more.

I also thought his comments about the populist name-calling not getting in the way were excellent. It must be so difficult to stay on track when people repeat facile slurs and criticise everything he does, but I believed him when he said he could rise above that.

Totally agree! Fine if you're a couple with 2 pensions coming in but if you're on your own not so easy.

POVERTY is all around us, it doesn't sound like many on gransnet have ever been hungry or cold! We've elected this government to look after the welfare of all it's citizens. It doesn't mean we have to agree with everything they say or do. I've never been keen on KS but the Conservatives needed a rest. Luckily we have a democracy! But it seems whoever is at the top, those who are not in need! are very forthcoming in telling it's citizens to be ready for hard times. Wrap-up warm and prepare to suffer for the good of the country. Breakfast clubs if well organised are brilliant. But letting those at the other end of the spectrum suffer is not a good way forward. There are those who have lived hand to mouth all their lives, no fault of their own. So easy to say 'Just get on with it'

Rosie51

growstuff

Rosie51

When it comes to pensioners heating their homes it's as well to remember not all homes are created equal. I live in a very old, very small house, but it's a cold house. It takes a lot more to heat than my friend's much larger, modern, well insulated house. I have single skin walls so no possibility of cavity insulation, my loft is insulated, I have double glazing, there's nothing else I can do. I won't freeze, and I'm not complaining about my loss of WFA, I'll manage to heat my home but I do spend a bigger proportion of my income on heating than many others have to. For two pensioners on the same state pension there could be very marked differences between their fuel needs. Just something to consider when people are saying they manage why can't others.

That's something people should consider when they buy or rent a property.

My goodness you're all heart aren't you? Ever thought that if they've lived in the house for donkey's years it wasn't a consideration then. When I was a lot younger I wasn't so aware this is a very cold house, and fuel bills were never an issue. I could sell my house, but then couldn't afford anything better locally. Should I move 200 miles from my family and friends because then I could afford a newer house built to higher insulating standards?

Why should anybody be expected to subsidise you because you don't want to move? Have you ever thought about the people who have never had a home to call their own?