Re: winter fuel allowance
 

haha!! 2 weeks at - 15°C this winter didnt seem all that warm to me!!

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

Well, today the Chancellor put up. No winter fuel allowance for those who live in Europe in sunnier climes, or a means test for the 'fat cat' European residents. Any thoughts???

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

To be fair they could try means testing it in the UK

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

That is also almost certai to happen, along with means testing bus passes. These would all be stopped for people paying more than the basic level of Income Tax. I believe ALL parties now see this as a way forward.

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

How about applying for extra payments as a resident of micro-climates? It has been a damn sight colder and wetter here than in the UK - and for longer.

'Er Indoors is pretty miffed at this - even though we have never claimed it!

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

so thats OK Mike, so long as it is only paid to those living in the UK who have paid in a certain number of years.
Its no use just giving it to everyone and anyone who comes into the country if you aren't going to pay it out to your own who have wandered off.

but then what about giving every expat the same high level of pension irrespective of the country they live in

and give us our own MP/MEP to speak for us

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

Hi

Here in France we get WFA because I was entitled before we moved permanently.

Bro-in-law in Spain doesn't get it because he was resident in Spain before he reached 60.

HOWEVER as has been pointed out in yesterday's statement it seems "they" are planning to only pay those expats who live in places where it is cold in winter.

Now we live in Provence - but in the mountains and our average winter temperature can be well below that in southern England.

The cost of policing it, as has been pointed out, would be huge. I simply can't understand why it can't be taxed for everyone and especially those of us who, although are fiscally resident in France still have to pay UK tax on UK Government pensions.

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

It isn't taxed for anyone, it's one of those tax free allowances. It would cost very little to administer, the tax people know who pays the higher rate, and the DWP know where people live, the only downside is that those people who have moved abroad, but keep a UK address and have their money paid into a UK account, will probably continue to get it.

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

My gut says it will be a blanket withdrawal, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece etc., as there would be too much hassle differentiating my part from Provence etc. We know north France is more like UK across the year, but it's a vote winner for Conservatives, to be seen to hit the perceived well off (appeals to fence sitters) and Labour 'cos that's their mantra. LD's would also likely not quibble.

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

Mikelincs

I know it is not taxed for anyone at the moment - but it should be. So much easier to deal with than who lives where and how cold it gets in the winter!

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

cjm I am with you there.
It is also probably a way of recouping some of the cost of increasing the basic pension.

This too will create losers as well as winners, but the days of hosing money at all vocal interest groups are over. At least until the next election. :)

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

the Eu will not allow a withdrawal for targetted countries - its all or nothing

and I know it was -10 here at Christmas whilst most of the Uk was barely at zero, it was only in Feb the cold weather clamped down and once again brought the UK to a shivering halt.

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

why not incorporate it within the OAP and then those who have more money than personal allowance will pay tax on it. those who have income below the personal allowance will not pay a penny.

:fingerscrossed:

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

Well it must have been below zero more than that because my ancient Dad got at least 4 of the 25 quid payments.

If you asked a five year old what Country had the better climate the UK or Spain even they would say overall Spain.

It will be some kind if blanket (pardon the pun)withdrawal.

Re: winter fuel allowance
 

Bearing in mind the standard of edikayshun in the Uk I would imagine they would ask where the Uk was

but yes it has to be a blanket withdrawal throughout the EU - who forced it to be paid in the first place.

so long as it isn't my blanket they withdraw I have no problems, it really does get cold here at 900m asl.
;)