SHONA HAS TODAY ASKED THE PRIME MINISTER and the Chancellor to increase the winter fuel allowance.
Explaining her decision, Shona said:
'The global demand for energy - especially in China and other emerging markets - has lead to a huge increase in energy prices and subsequently in domestic fuel bills. The
recent rises have been a shock to many.
'While I welcome the fact that energy companies have special social tariffs and rebates for customers who are fuel poor, they don't go far enough helping people with the
growing cost of energy. The companies need to expand their social tariffs to include more people
'I know that pensioner households welcomed the winter allowance - it has been a real help for thousands of people. However, with increasing bills, the real value of the winter
allowance is in danger of being eroded.
'Last week, I raised my concerns with the Chancellor, Alistair Darling.
'Today I have written to both Alistair and Gordon Brown as Prime Minister to ask them to consider increasing the winter allowance.
'I hope that people support this move - the more people who back me, then the louder our voice will be.'
5 February 2008
Shona's letter to Gordon Brown:
5 February 2008
Re: Winter Fuel Allowance
Dear Gordon,
I’m writing to you because of mounting concern among constituents about increasing fuel bills and the consequent threat of fuel poverty.
The introduction of winter fuel payments has made a real difference to pensioners across the country. My concern is that the benefit of the payment is going to be felt less and
less by pensioners facing higher living and fuel costs. The value of the current payment has already been eroded and this has shaken the confidence of many of my constituents.
The intention behind the fuel allowance was to end pensioner poverty and the indignity and suffering that accompanies it. But we are now in danger of failing those very same
pensioners and also failing to fulfil our aim of ending pensioner poverty. This is a long term aim that cannot be achieved simply through the introduction of the winter fuel allowance.
We have a duty to ensure that the allowance reflects reality and the reality at present is that the quality of life for many pensioners could well deteriorate if the fuel
allowance is not increased.
I’m writing to both you and the Chancellor to ask that serious consideration be given to increasing the winter fuel allowance payment. I look forward to hearing your views on
the matter and to discussing this further.
| lypeArredge - Message left at 05:20 am, Sun 11th May 2008 |
The last person that quit or was fired will be held responsible for everything that goes wrong -- until the next person quits or is fired.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://ebloggy.com/maurochasebq |
| Shona - Message left at 05:18 pm, Thu 6th Mar 2008 |
Thank you for your comments on the winter allowance. I lobbied the Chancellor again yesterday about raising the winter allowance. Let's see what the Budget brings. |
| scafell billy - Message left at 01:43 pm, Tue 26th Feb 2008 |
I fully support an increase in the winter fuel payment. However we must remember in the dark days of Thatcherism this payment did not exist. It was only the election of a Labour Government that saw
it enter the statute book. |
| jack newton - Message left at 04:37 pm, Sat 23rd Feb 2008 |
My gas usage is practically constant,yet this month my direct debit has rien from £36pcm to £56 pcm. Yet Prudence Brown has the audacity to stand at the despatch box and brag about a sound
economy.low inflation and low taxation! Bigger liar than Blair and he took some beating! |
| Martyn Wilkins - Message left at 09:06 am, Thu 21st Feb 2008 |
I fully support Shona's intervention regarding Older People and the winter fuel allowance. I would wish to add that on the day when British Gas announce record profits and fuel prices continue to
increase for all, the Government must look at the lack of competition in the energy market, that is affecting the least able to pay in our Country. Those on low incomes are disproportionably affected
by fuel rises and it is unforgivable that those that spend more than 10% of their income on energy (in fuel poverty bracket) are on the increase. I would wish to see social support schemes introduced
or extended to other social disadvantaged groups with urgency, notably the disabled and those on fixed/low incomes. |
| Donald Roe - Message left at 07:36 pm, Fri 8th Feb 2008 |
we, as pensioners have a need to enjoy an increase in the Winter Fuel Allowance |
| Donald Roe - Message left at 07:36 pm, Fri 8th Feb 2008 |
we, as pensioners have a need to enjoy an increase in the Winter Fuel Allowance |
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