Governments do seem to make strange decisions when they eagerly allow benefits for families of workers from abroad, even though they are not living in this country, yet they try to reduce benefits to those who need them in THIS country!Means Testing is not a cost effective way to ensure that only the less well off pensioners get certain benefits, in any case I very much doubt that well heeled pensioners would bother to use public transport!The bus pass helps pensioners to get out and about instead of sitting at home, it means they are in a better frame of mind, can meet with friends, travel by public transport for appointments and so on. Without the freedom pass a great meny pensioners would be very lonely indeed, unable to travel far, and even may have to cut back on shopping trips. Many less agile folk need transport to get around and a freedom pass provides all this and more.It would be a very reckless decision by any government to take away these perks for pensioners, we have a vote and my goodness we will use it when the time comes!I do think that the winter fuel allowance may be unnecessary for pensioners who live in warm countries but pensioners who have contributed all their lives would no doubt agree that they are entitled to it!Pensioners in this country really DO need it with the cost of heating increasing rapidly leaving many pensioners having to decide whether to eat well or heat the home. Governments give huge amounts in overseas aid although some of the countries involved (like India) say they don't want or need this money.In different parts of the UK some folk pay for prescriptions and so on whilst others do have to pay.It is very difficult to understand these measures.
Jean F Fernandez ● 4849d