In message , Mark
writes
On Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:39:09 +0000, Roger Mills
wrote:

On 14/02/2013 13:13, Nightjar wrote:
On 14/02/2013 11:40, David WE Roberts wrote:
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/31778

Petition against the removal of additional tax allowances for pensioners.

Vote early, vote often :-)

If you are canvassing for votes against the removal of additional tax
allowances, it might be a good idea to explain why you think that the
increase in personal allowances for those over 65 does not adequately
compensate for them.

Colin Bignell


I agree. I suppose some would argue that this doesn't maintain the
differential between pensioners and non-pensioners. But I'm not sure
exactly what the case for a differential is.

Indeed. Not being a pensioner I would think that it is working people
who would need a larger allowance as pensioners generally have lower
outgoings.

Just to come vaguely back onto group topic, pensioners have to hire
people to do more jobs for them which younger people can DIY

Personally, I'd rather have it as an increased personal allowance for
everyone. That way, it doesn't get clawed back when my total pension
income exceeds a certain threshold.

I would also support means testing things like bus passes and winter
fuel allowance.

Bus passes (outside metropolitan areas) are generally self regulating.
If you can afford a car you have one.

Places like London receive such a bias in their per capita grant that
they can afford to go well above the statutory minimum
+1. Since the government is taking away other universal benefits it
would be consistent to do this.

Not so sure about prescriptions and eye test. Older
people tend to have a greater need for these. Free dental treatment
would be good, too.

Things like winter fuel allowance etc are all headline grabbing gimmicks
introduced by various governments to avoid paying a decent state
pension. Pensioners are means tested at £7400 per annum. Child benefit
is means tested at £40-£60k
Personally I think free dentistry and eye tests should be more widely
available to encourage people to look after themselves.


--
bert