Winter Fuel Allowance

[Ivemovedon]

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith says ex pats in countries where the average annual tempreture is higher than the warmest region of the UK - - the south west at 5.6C ( 42F) will lose the benefit. 49,443 claimants in Spain will be affected saving almost £8,85m.

What a wonderful saving gained from those who have paid into the UK coffers all their lives... and another 8 million that can go to far worthier causes for those who haven't. Over to you Dan. 

[peggy]

Like social secutity and free housing for immigrants in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bedouin]

Unfortunately, times are hard for UK plc, and you have to make savings where you can.  There's also a lot of voter support for removing winter fuel allowance from people living in sunny climes.

[Brightspark]

I kinda agree with it, I would fully agree if state pensions were better for the folk who have paid all their lives for it.

[Ivemovedon]

never was too keen on the idea of means testing pensioners. Or categorising what they get from the system. That money saved would hardly pay for a years handouts on benefits street alone.

Agree with you BS if they supplied a decent state pension they wouldn't need to implement all these addatives and top ups. Everyone could pay their own fuel bills, but then they always strive to make us feel reliant on the state, its good for business.

[woe10]

We should get DOUBLE ALLOWANCE, as it's been freezing this week at night, with no central heating.

Where do they get their figures from. Have they taken into consideration the temperature inside my house at night. This Myth that ex pats living in Spain, live in perpetual sunshine all the year round  is Ballacks

Here's the artical:

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/457423/Winter-fuel-payments-to-100-000-expat-pensioners-to-be-scrapped-saving-almost-17-million

[Ivemovedon]

We have electric heaters in our place as we got complaints from clients that it was too cold at certain times in the winter. Should maybe stick Iain Dunc Smith and his mrs in a little unheated apartment up in the Fuerteventura hills for a couple of weeks in January and see how he gets on.

[whispa]

maybe we should get a petition going??