Aiming to be Christmas No.1

It's all very difficult. I have heard and read and personally know so many pensioners who say they'd rather not have the WFA and feel embarrassed by it. When I was growing up, and certainly up until the 1980's, the archetypal image of a pensioner was someone frail and on the poverty line, freezing to death whilst eating tinned sardines by candle light. Then the pension deregulation under Thatcher happened, along with the council house sell off (affording massive profits to the purchasers) and the general explosion and ever increasing value of houses. All of this created a generation of now pensioners who would not recognise let alone fit the old stereotypes. In fact, many pensioners (boomers if you like) are amongst the most comfortably off people in the country. For this reason the blanket WFA has been questioned and debated over many years. I've no idea what the answer is however as to sort out those in genuine need would be an administrative and expensive nightmare. What to do? Just to add, I have no doubt the Tories would've also brought this in and are heaving a sigh of relief that they won't get the blame.

Jeanathome

*The song has evolved into a symbol of public protest against Government policies*

There you go! From GB news.

It's not some kindly attempt to fund raise for Age UK.

Disagree all you like the song is raising money for Age U.K.

GB News has also raised money for pensioners in poverty due to the withdrawal of the WFA to be distributed by charities.

Public protest are the key words, and show that just about everyone thinks that this policy is a stinker.
Therefore why not highlight that fact and raise money for Age UK at the same time.

I’ve listened to both the songs. Obviously the Labour supporters on here are not going to like the one about pensioners keeping warm at Christmas. It takes a direct pop at Starmer.
Fair enough. He removed the WFA and some very old people are going to suffer as a result.
Go to the top of the class Starmer. Well done you. You picked on the poorest pensioners and a lot of people don’t like it. Even if some Gransnetters do!

The song has evolved into a symbol of public protest against Government policies

There you go! From GB news.

It's not some kindly attempt to fund raise for Age UK.

Jeanathome

*I would have thought that fellow pensioners would fight for those pensioners less fortunate than them*

I have fought and continue to fight for people. I see those at a community project, genuinly hungry. Teenagers shamefaced turning up for a hot meal, small children devouring sandwiches , people who haven't spoken to another human being all week. So no, I won't be buying a song which is aimed at yet another pop at the government.

You see the song as a pop at the Government

I see it as a fund raiser for Age U.K. (which it is) that is gaining attention…

Allira

Freya5

GrannyGravy13

BlueBelle are you not aware of the 1,000’s of pensioners who are just £1 over the pension credit limit?

Age U.K. and many other charities are concerned about this, are they just after publicity ?

Seemingly uncaring. Can't bash this uncaring Gov, can we.

If Labour had awarded this WFA and the Tories had taken this away, oh, by golly, I'd bet there's be some 🤬 on threads!!

No axe to grind here but I'm finding it quite interesting, sitting on the fence.

As a Labour voter I’m ashamed of this government for doing this.
As you say, if the Tories had done it there would be hell to pay.

growstuff

GrannyGravy13

Cossy I also do not agree with the speed of removal or the level it was set at.

keepingquiet I am pleased that you are able to heat your home and eat however, I am mindful that 1,000’s of pensioners are not as fortunate.

I am in a similar position to keepingquiet and I won't be starving or freezing either. If I had £13 less a week, I could claim Pension Credit, so I am certainly not an 'I'm alright Jack'.

How will the profit from this song be distributed and to whom?

Everybody has different outgoings growstuff and different needs too.
One person may manage and another not able to.£300 can really help.

Casdon

This is my choice for Christmas Number 1. It brought tears to my eyes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0gcODAPNmk

Oh Casdon - I don't think I've ever seen the Marsh family better than this. Just so beautiful.

I would have thought that fellow pensioners would fight for those pensioners less fortunate than them

I have fought and continue to fight for people. I see those at a community project, genuinly hungry. Teenagers shamefaced turning up for a hot meal, small children devouring sandwiches , people who haven't spoken to another human being all week. So no, I won't be buying a song which is aimed at yet another pop at the government.

My choice too Casdon.

I love the government advert asking people to advise their parents to apply for pension credit. I can’t find a link to it but I really relate to it. Looking back over the years all governments have pushed pension credit to get eligible people to claim. Going back to the OP, when I had a sort out of my cd’s the other day I found two copies on Mad World when both me and my son wanted to make it that years no 1 ( we loved the film Donnie Darko). Only time I’ve ever bought a Christmas single…oh, hang on I think there’s a Do They Know it’s Christmas single with it.

This is my choice for Christmas Number 1. It brought tears to my eyes.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0gcODAPNmk

I assume the whining about inheritance tax was directed at me, I do not whine I have an opinion!

(I am totally against inheritance tax at its current level, it should be increased to £2,000,000 and then go up by percentages it a straight 40%)

Having money in my bank does not make me any less empathetic to those who are less fortunate.

I would have thought that fellow pensioners would fight for those pensioners less fortunate than them, but hey ho every day on GN is a school day…

Freya5

GrannyGravy13

BlueBelle are you not aware of the 1,000’s of pensioners who are just £1 over the pension credit limit?

Age U.K. and many other charities are concerned about this, are they just after publicity ?

Seemingly uncaring. Can't bash this uncaring Gov, can we.

If Labour had awarded this WFA and the Tories had taken this away, oh, by golly, I'd bet there's be some 🤬 on threads!!

No axe to grind here but I'm finding it quite interesting, sitting on the fence.

Freya5

GrannyGravy13

BlueBelle are you not aware of the 1,000’s of pensioners who are just £1 over the pension credit limit?

Age U.K. and many other charities are concerned about this, are they just after publicity ?

Seemingly uncaring. Can't bash this uncaring Gov, can we.

Agreeing with you Grannygravy.

GrannyGravy13

BlueBelle are you not aware of the 1,000’s of pensioners who are just £1 over the pension credit limit?

Age U.K. and many other charities are concerned about this, are they just after publicity ?

Seemingly uncaring. Can't bash this uncaring Gov, can we.

Well, I would think if your income is about £1,000 per month, by the time rent, Council tax, water rates etc are paid, plus other bills which may occur, you must be a very careful manager indeed to keep warm and well-fed.

Washing machine breaks down? Cooker stops working? Boiler needs a service (essential)
Can't afford to run a car? - fine if you live on a bus route with a good bus service.

I don't expect people to have empathy, it's not inherent in everyone, of course.
However, I can see how some will struggle and I feel for them.

Allira

^People who are whining about paying inheritance tax because they are millionaires are suddenly all sad about cold pensioners.^

I don't understand that statement, sorry.

Who are the whining millionaires? Do you mean Gransnetters? On this thread? How do you know about their finances?

Many of us have been concerned since this was announced about those pensioners just above the cut-off point for any help at all.
We realise not all are in the fortunate position of those posting on here who are just above this threshold and whose circumstances are different so that they can afford to keep warm.

My circumstances aren't different. I can afford to keep warm because my heating bills and food are a priority and I make sure I can pay for them.

Pudding123

I am frequently shocked at the attitude of some GNers towards fellow less fortunate pensioners.
I was a civil servant of over 35 years and many of my friends also retired and single through marriage breakups etc are finding life very hard and can really only just manage ,one of my lovely friends daughter has to help out with her bills and she is the most hardworking capable thrifty lady so while I am pleased that the majority on this site do not have these problems a little more empathy would not go amiss.

Excuse me! I'm one of the people affected! Why should I have empathy for people in the same boat as I am, but somehow can't seem to manage? Almost everybody with less income than I have is eligible for Pension Credit and won't lose the WFT.

People who are whining about paying inheritance tax because they are millionaires are suddenly all sad about cold pensioners.

I don't understand that statement, sorry.

Who are the whining millionaires? Do you mean Gransnetters? On this thread? How do you know about their finances?

Many of us have been concerned since this was announced about those pensioners just above the cut-off point for any help at all.
We realise not all are in the fortunate position of those posting on here who are just above this threshold and whose circumstances are different so that they can afford to keep warm.

Jeanathome

keepingquiet

I don't know why anyone has to freeze.

I am just above the pension credit threshold (not by much!) and can still afford to heat my home more cheaply that I did last winter... I really don't know what the fuss is about.

I can't wrap my head around this tbh. People who are whining about paying inheritance tax because they are millionaires are suddenly all sad about cold pensioners.

It was an ill thought out move to take away WFA but surely years and years of so called austerity have a part to play here.

I agree with you.

Marydoll

Allira

karmalady

keeping quiet, of the `I am alright Jack` mentality. Where is the empathy for those who cannot afford heat?

Thank you Cressida and Grannygravy

Well said, karmalady.

What a shocking lack of empathy. I despair.

Many factors impact on heating homes and how people feel the cold: medical conditions, lack of money, poor insulation, old and draughty homes and where in the country you live.
It has been -3 C here all day. I can afford to heat my home, but am still cold.

If that's aimed at me, I'm not lacking in empathy. I'm one of the people affected, for goodness' sake. My point is that anybody living above the threshold for Pension Credit shouldn't be freezing to death or starving, if they manage their money well. I live fairly frugally, but I prioritise. £6 a week wouldn't make much difference to somebody just over the threshold. It might mean they would have to eat cheaper food or turn the thermostat down, but I find talk about freezing emotional hyperbole. Quite frankly, I think it's virtual signalling by people who want to have a go at the Labour Party, who generally couldn't give two hoots about inequality and are often the first to dismiss issues of genuine poverty in the population as a whole.

pascal30

I hope the people who are going to really suffer have taken advantage of any insulation grants available.. and I would really recommend getting a heated throw or electric blanket..

I really hope too many libraries don't close.. a cold house is not a pleasant place to spend time..

I don't know whether OVO is still giving them away, but last year I clicked on a link on the OVO website, filled out a short online form and OVO sent me a heated throw in the post - for free.

keepingquiet

I don't know why anyone has to freeze.

I am just above the pension credit threshold (not by much!) and can still afford to heat my home more cheaply that I did last winter... I really don't know what the fuss is about.

I can't wrap my head around this tbh. People who are whining about paying inheritance tax because they are millionaires are suddenly all sad about cold pensioners.

It was an ill thought out move to take away WFA but surely years and years of so called austerity have a part to play here.