I've been a bit shocked by the level of vitriol aimed at "wealthy pensioners" "the baby boomers who've been so lucky and used up all the resources" " go on endless holidays abroad" etc so often voiced on other sites, and during phone in discussions. This government successfully set an agenda where anyone in receipt of benefits is seen as a possible scrounger. Winter fuel allowance etc are benefits, the state pension is not. Like others, I worked all my life, paid full stamp throughout the period when married women had an option and so on. I receive the basic state pension, and thank goodness paid into another scheme from the age of 28 - 62 so I don't have to manage on a state pension alone. I give my winter fuel allowance to charity, but currently I can afford to and that's my choice. I am certain that in future, people like me won't get the state pension, despite paying tax/national insurance throughout our working lives. I agree with Biker, the cost of means testing should be prohibitive, but it won't be. Yes Bez, we haven't lost the power to analyse, evaluate and vote.