observer Posted August 18, 2010 Report Share Posted August 18, 2010 Well, "we're all in it together"; so one should not be surprised that the Winter Fuel Allowance is under threat - BUT, the grumpies tend to actually vote at election time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lt Kije Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 They might be hoping you die off before the next one, Another winter like the last one and think of the savings on pensions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 ............but in an age when the country is all but bust, why not reduce benefits and means test them too? If a pensioner has racks of money in the bank, why not hold back on things like the allowance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted August 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 The problem is Baz; that means testing adds to the complexity of an already overly complex system and generally means those entitled don't even bother with the complicated form filling. Nu Lab were doling money out willy nilly and adding new benefits to the system, which have gradually led to a beauracratic mess. The ConDems have said they want to simplify the system - fine; but the way to do that is to target universal benefits on the basis of a simple qualification EG: FUEL ALLOWANCE = BY AGE ie OVER 65 OR 70; CHILD ALLOWANCE = by production of marriage certificate (thus encouraging a social norm and detering career pregnancies). IF benefits go to the rich, this should be compensated for, by a progressive tax system - thus taking the benefit back in tax. Also, while they're at it; they could also introduce a "proof of citizenship" qualification for ALL benefits - which may counter the global notion that the UK is the world's honey pot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry hayes Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 Ah, means testing I spend very little on myself and have saved. I don't smoke; drink or gamble; and can't find any loose women. Â Why should thrift be penalised by means testing after paying taxes all through my working life. (and deep into retirement) Â If I can find a way round the system. I will use it. Those people who ferret money away in foreign banks are protecting their assets - human nature at work. Provided it is legal, O.K. by me. Â Happy days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 Maybe it will create a society where the parents give money to their children at an early age instead of waiting till after they die (I would have been in favour of that and I'm sure my kids would!!) Â Unfortunately thrift isn't something that reduces labours bombshells so if you've got it, spend it cos you can't take it with you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lt Kije Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 Baz don't beleive the hype, Labour did not course the crisis the banks did, Â The trouble with means testing is it costs, you have to employ people to do the testing, so it is questionable to the amount you save. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted August 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 Just for the sake of accuracy: Labour (Brown) lightened regulation on the Banks, making their casino antics even easier to get on with. Labour ran a live now pay later Fiscal policy, which was copied by almost everyone in the Country - resulting in record debts all round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 Kije, everything has an associated cost. Even me writing about this has a cost involved... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lt Kije Posted August 19, 2010 Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 I agree with you Baz, I just don't think means testing is the answer and the amount of people it could bring in to the net of means testing just how much would they save, after taking on the extra civil servants on great pensions to do the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted August 19, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2010 as I've said - no need - just tax it back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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