We paid our taxes...

As Frank feels he ought to have more heating allowance paid to him because he has a four bedroom house to heat (I think it's just Frank and Andy living there...do they share a bedroom?) why hasn't it been suggested that he downsize?

Frank- Just think of the amount of money that you would have in your pocket if you downsized from a band G council tax to maybe a D. Untold riches. I live in a band D rated house with 3 bedrooms so you will not be living in a shed.

Andie could still have his own room.

Frank - I pay tax on my two government pensions but I get no benefits because I don't live in England. I am not complaining - I love living in France and I am very happy for my taxes to help support others.

I feel pensioners should all receive a return on their contributions at an amount that nobody would need all these extras. We should not be described as reveiving BENIFITS we have paid in for the whole of our working life. It gives the young the impression we are spongers. "Its not what you say its the way you say it"
We should lobby to have our pensions described to demonstrate the loyal service we have given to our economy.

Why not just call them pensions?

The state pension is paid out of the Department of Social Security budget and classified as a social security benefit. So whavever you call it, it's a state benefit.

If they just added the winter fuel allowance to pensions it would be taxed in the normal way, and we would not get such vitriol every time the fuel allowance is mentioned.

I am looking after a granddaughter in my home under a Residence Order from the court. She spends a night or two each week with her parents. I pay for all her food while she is with me, home clothes, pocket money, school uniform etc. her Mum recently transferred her Child Allowance over to me which helps but I am spending a great deal more than that. Its a financial burden, much as I love her, which I would otherwise not have taken on. The parents cannot afford to contribute more. Can I claim her as a dependent for tax purposes. Would like to hear from grands in similar position.