The winter fuel allowance for pensioners may soon be scrapped for those who do not claim pension credit, according to reports.
With a House of Commons vote expected today (September 10), the proposed changes have ignited varied opinions, largely posted on Facebook.
Steve Warren, a reader, took to the platform to share his thoughts: "I know quite a lot of people with occupational pensions who use the fuel payments as a nice annual bonus to splash out on a weekend away or restaurant."
Mr. Warren believes that not everyone should be entitled to the payment given the state of the national economy.
But Paul Dobson said: "I'm one of the fools with a works pension. Working from 15-years-old to 66. It should have been 65.
"I can't claim pension credit or owt else and I'm still paying pension tax. Why did I bother?"
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However, Anne Blood said: "My husband and I both have occupational pensions and when the benefit was announced I contacted the DWP to tell them we didn’t need or want it, they told me I had no choice."
Keith Wallace argued that those who genuinely need the winter fuel allowance should continue to be aided and said: "I am a pensioner who can cope with this as I have an occupational pension as well as my old age pension.
"However many will be affected and I am sure that if willing the Government could come up with a policy that takes away the Winter Fuel Allowance for those who don’t need it whilst keeping it for those on low income."
Richard Machin said: "It is disgusting that Labour are picking on the most vulnerable, I did not vote Labour, and now they are in we will all have to suffer the consequences."
Similarly, Mark Throw suggested the Government has gotten its priorities wrong, saying: "Pay train drivers to stop them striking. Penalise pensioners who've paid into the 'system' for years and can't strike.
"Keir has shown his true colours."
One reader, with the username Bigga Benny, said: "For me, I’m not looking forward to winter because, even with the winter fuel payment, last year was a struggle for me through the cold and damp months."
How will you or people you know be affected by the proposed cut to the winter fuel allowance if it is enacted?
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