BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK

Subject: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:25 AM

OAP's get a one off payment of £250 towards their Gas and Electricity in December.
Assuming that they use that money for what it was intended for, I am surprised that people seem to be suggesting that they should get extra payments.
How many months does £250 cover for an OAP living either on their own for Gas and Electricity.

Is there something I am missing!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: romanyman
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:53 AM

Speakin for meself that equates to 10 weeks of gas and lecky , thats the heatin comin on at 7. goin off at 8.30 in mornin the comin on at 4.30 pm then off at 10 pm.
now thats on pre pay with good ol edf, i looked around an thats the cheapest i can get on pre pay so as i am disabled an live on me pension it dont go too far, in this unusually cold snap i got a small lecky fire that i put on when its extra cold, but that of course costs more. so ya lookin at possibly two months and a bit. thats without cookin lights water heatin so if ya add all together its even less than 10 weeks. those that know me also know there are times when times is hard the heatin dont go on at all , just put extra layers on.
and your point is ?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:15 AM

Interesting Romanyman.

I don't have a point, just wondered.

We pay £93 a month by DD which covers our Electricty and Gas X 12 for the year.

We have 2 people in the house 24/7 and a daugher who goes to school.
So I thought - that equates to almost 3 months costs. We do not scrimp.

However, what I was forgetting was that by paying a fixed amount every month and thereby spreading the cost over the year, it hides the actual costs during the winter versus the summer months.

Incidentally I am all for OAP's being looked after in the winter months. I suppose there are a lot of OAP's who do not have good insulation and double glazing etc and are incurring more costs than normal.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: theleveller
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 04:55 AM

We have an oldish (1847)3-bedroom house that is as well-insulated as it's possible to be and we pay £60 a month for electricity by DD and usually during the winter months we use 300-350 litres of heating ool a month (plus about half a ton of logs). Last time I ordered heating oil it was around 32p a litre - this time it's gone up to 46p a litre, so that's an extra £50 a month. This is the first year I've got the heating allowance and it should cover heating costs for a couple of months at most. Logs have also risen this year from £55 to £70 a ton.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Jim McLean
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 05:07 AM

My wife and I between received a £250 allowance and our Gas and Electricity Direct Debit is £215 per month. I have no idea what the bill will be after this cold snap. We live in London but have had the heating on constantly although we have double glazing and loft insulation but the house is Victorian and rather large for us since the children grew up and left home.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: nutty
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 05:17 AM

The extra fuel payment is seperate from the allowance and is only for people on certain benefits who get a £25 payment whenever the temperature falls below a certain point.
I think this is the payment that people were suggesting should be increased.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Kenny B (inactive)
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:04 PM

On D/D payments I am £102 pcm for gas and electric costs.
The house is heated at night at 50deg F to stop frost damage (ie burst pipes) and never turned off except for servicing in the summer.
The winter fuel payment was introduced to HELP with winter fuel bills. It is a great deal better than conservative governments which did not recognise that people on small incomes struggled to make fuel payments in the winter months. A little at the right time is far better than SFA under the conservatives
KB

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:39 PM

Good point Kenny

It would seem that most people who get the £250 seem to get soemthing like 2 free months of Elec. and gas.

Thats not bad at all. Is it?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:42 PM

I think we should all stop paying our gas and electricity bills, en masse, until they bring the price down, Absolute bloody crooks they are...

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Jan 10 - 03:48 PM

Lizzie, if you do that, they will cut you off.

I would like to think that this thread is not going to get hijacked now becuase Lizzie has posted.

Keep it clean.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 03:18 AM

It's not a good idea not to pay, but they absolutely ARE all bloody crooks and no government has ever had the balls to curb the excess's of big business they are all so deeply mired in it.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: romanyman
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 03:58 AM

I agree wuth lizzie but yup they will cut ya off before any impacy os felt, my mates an electrician and has wired a generator quite easily into his house and the costs over a year have dropped to an eigth of his normal bill,    now wheres that geny i had,       his next project is calor gas, but he has probs with getting permision for the tank,
dunno how we can screw the companies as well as they screw us

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:09 AM

Romanyman, I'm not sure why your mate wants to go onto Calor gas - we had it in my last house and it's the most expensive form of energy I've ever used. I'm currently on oil (there's no mains gas in the village) - it's far more economical than the Calor was.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:15 AM

I agree, Villan. I think the point being missed is that it is a payment for the EXTRA fuel used during the harsher months. It is not supposed to pay the full bill so, even if the bill is £250 a month (very unlikely) and it doubles (even more unlikely) in December then surely it is a bonus. Or am I missing something as well?

As to non-payment of bills - It is a perfectly valid method of protest. Look at the poll-tax revolution that brought down the Thatcher government. All we need is someone to organise it but I am no revolutionarty and I suspect we will get no volunteers from the Mudcat!

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:39 AM

Dave, the problem with using non-payment as a protest is that the suppliers have you by the balls - if you don't pay, they stop your supplies. Who's the loser? It won't be the suppliers who are shivering their gonads off!

In the case of the Poll Tax, there was nothing they could cut off, they just got an AoE from the court (if you were working). It wasn't non-payment of poll-tax that brought Thatcher down, it was the fear of losing votes through its unpopularity (amongst other things).

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:59 AM

Plus

If they cut you off, you get a hefty charge to turn you back on.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 05:52 AM

Yup! The Double-Whammy.
As I said - they have their customers by the cojones. And the buggers know it.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: ossonflags
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:00 AM

Just a few facts that may be helpful and put things into perspective

The scale of pensioner poverty is rising - 822 pensioners fell into poverty every day last year. 2.5m older people now live below the official poverty line. Means-tested benefits fail to reach almost 2m of the poorest pensioners.

Around 5m older people who have modest savings of around £10,000 have lost between £10 and £20 a week (up to as much as £1000 a year) as a result of the drop in interest rates.

The latest excess winter death figures show that 37,313 older people died from cold related illnesses last year – a 50% increase on the previous figure and the highest level of deaths for nearly a decade.
One in three pensioners is estimated to be spending more than 10% of their income on energy bills, placing them in fuel poverty, and the winter fuel allowance now covers just a fifth of the average bill, compared to a third when it was first introduced.

Older people face annual inflation rates around ten times higher than the rest of the population, according to a recent report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies. Pensioners spend a larger proportion of their income on those items whose prices are rising fastest.

Britain's biggest pensioner organisation, the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), has said the Chancellor's pre-budget report brought little Christmas cheer to the country's 11m older people, because it gives with one hand, but takes away with the other.

The Chancellor's guarantee to raise the basic state pension by 2.5% next April will give those on a full state pension an annual increase of £124.80 (£2.40 a week), whilst many women with a reduced entitlement will get just £72.80 (£1.40 a week).

But the NPC has calculated that against this proposed increase, millions of older people will actually lose money. For example:
The £60 additional Christmas Bonus paid in 2008 has been removed this year from all pensioners

· Pensioners will now face a new 50p a month high speed broadband levy equal to £6 a year, despite the fact that 7 out of 10 have never used the internet

· £250m will be taken from residential care services at a time when demand is growing. This could affect around 268,800 older residents who currently receive assistance with their care costs

· Free concessionary bus travel at 60 will be taken away from future pensioners, and eligibility will re-align with the rising state pension age

· Older consumers will experience double inflation of 6% early next year, because they spend a higher proportion of their income on those items whose prices are rising fastest

· The winter fuel allowance has again been frozen at £250 for the under 80s and £400 for the over 80s despite a 50% increase in winter deaths and expected rises in energy bills

As a result, pensioners on a full state pension will see next year's rise reduced by at least 53% - with the reduction closer to 91% for up to 5m older women who receive a lower state pension.



Dot Gibson, NPC general secretary said: "Christmas is traditionally a time of peace and goodwill to all – but the Chancellor has managed to offer millions of pensioners little more than a dose of Scrooge inspired bah humbug. The pre-budget report gives with one hand – but then takes away with the other, and does little to tackle rising pensioner poverty, fuel poverty or the impact that the recession is continuing to have on older savers."



"One in four pensioners still live in poverty and rising costs of food and fuel, combined with record lows in savings returns and underperforming pensions, mean that pensioners continue to suffer a disproportionate increase in the cost of living. In light of all this, the Chancellor's promise to raise the state pension next year by £2.40 a week but then take more than half of it back again will bring little cheer to Britain's pensioners."

A very Happy new year to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:46 AM

Services like gas and electricity and water supply ought to be publicly owned they way they used to be before they were flogged off to private companies.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 08:51 AM

You flogged off to the Conservatives friends.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: bubblyrat
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 10:26 AM

I get the £250-00,and also the £ 25-00 when it's freezing. For me,this is most welcome,because I live in an Alms House,originally built in 1647,but re-built ( to outdoor lavatory standards !!) in the 1800s. Now then......because these Alms Houses are LISTED BUILDINGS, we are not,repeat not,allowed to have double glazing, nor can we have cavity wall insulation,because our single-skin walls ain't got no cavities ! Some do not even have damp-courses !!
             So ,lately,I have had to have the gas central-heating on at about 20 degrees from 0800-2300 every day. Floor to ceiling thick curtains over the doors and windows (under which the radiators are mounted !)provide a bit of extra insulation,but it's all a bit Dickensian at times. We do,or did have fireplaces,but we are no longer allowed to use them,in case we set fire to the houses ( Health & Safety !!), although none of the sixteen have ever burned down in over 350 years !
    So come on,Jack Frost, bring on those Minus temperatures,and I'll keep taking the £25-00 (as long as it's below zero at RAF Benson !). And if anyone can help me with these IDIOT conservation people,then please let me know !!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: bubblyrat
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 11:15 AM

Oh yes !! I forgot !! I also have,as a result of years spent working for Outdoor Venture, Peters Stores,and Milletts,allied to a lifetime ( almost !) of camping,caravaning and other outdoor activities, a good "stock" of various gas-cartridge powered lamps ,heaters,and cooking stoves,plus 10 X 4-packs of Butane cartridges. When my "landlord" 'phoned recently to ask if I was OK and coping with the conditions, I said that I would be fine,and that I was prepared to provide hot food & hot water for my neighbours IF we had power / gas or both ,cuts.When asked how I would achieve this,I told them of my stoves,etc . I was then told that UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES was I EVER to use them,that it was against Health & Safety regulations to even OWN them,even if kept outside in my shed,let alone USE them, and that I would be EVICTED if I was found to be using them !!
    Just let the bastards try !!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: romanyman
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 01:19 PM

ossonflags has given quite a good explanation of whats going on, you can also add the rise in v a t , which of course has added to petrol and diesel prices, which is also passed on to the customers of every shop supermarket etc in the land, incidently you pat ywo lots of tax on your motor fuel, v a t AND fuel duty, good init

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:03 PM

Does somebody object to the Winter Fuel payment??? It's no more than the cost of a night in a decent Spanish hotel.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:09 PM

I don't beleive so, Bonzo. Not on here anyway!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 12 Jan 10 - 04:51 PM

Definately not.

Just trying to see how us old fogies are coping in our snowy abodes :-)

Just heard that my twin brother is stuck on the A38 just below Exeter, for the last 5 hours due to snow and an accident. Stiil got to get to Paignton The money isn't going to do him much good. His wife recognised his number plate on the BBC news at 6:00pm tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 08:49 AM

It took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel the 9 miles or so to work this morning, normally a 25 minute drive. On a bus into Croydon which negotiated the snow very well but took 70 minutes to travel 4 1/2 miles, and then the utter shambles at East Croydon, announcements by an oik with very bad diction so nobody could understand them, so even if the right train came along, the platform was guesswork!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 10:13 AM

BUS, Bonzo? You mean you actually mix with the rabble every day on *shudder* PUBLIC TRANSPORT?! I would have thought you'd have a litter and a few lackeys to trot you around town, or have a driver at your beck and call at the very least.

Gadzooks, man - are there no standards left??

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Rasener
Date: 13 Jan 10 - 11:11 AM

So you spent your hard earned Winter Fuel Payment on a bus ticket Bonzo!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Penny S.
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:52 AM

Has Bonzo not got a bus pass?

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Winter Fuel Payment UK
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 14 Jan 10 - 07:54 AM

I haven't got one. There's no point - no buses in The Backwoods.