Letters: I'm a pensioner and I agree with cutting winter fuel payments – I don't need it

A pensioner and Big Issue reader agrees that the winter fuel payment should be means tested. Another wonders why we’re forced to accept poor quality, expensive public transport.

Winter fuel payment

I am one of the fortunate pensioners who can get by without the winter fuel allowance, and like many others have donated the money to a charity. I agree with the scrapping of this payment for those who can get by without it. And I think it should be made as easy as possible to access the payment for those who genuinely need it. So I think it is careless and inaccurate of the Big Issue to print the letter from Tony Rowe of Suffolk claiming “and now Labour scrap the winter fuel payments for all pensioners, including thousands who really need them”. As I understand it, this is definitely not the case.

Rodders

State of things

My late husband passed away at the age of 62. He had a very responsible job paying masses of tax and national insurance over at least 40 years. Unfortunately, he did not make it to state pension age. Was there a refund of what he contributed? Of course not… it is all about the taking.

I have worked since the age of 16. Likewise contributing at a substantial level for 49 years. Yes, I have worked hard, made something of my life and live comfortably. I am now faced with the possibility of the state pension which I can claim from December being means tested. Living in Scotland is a disadvantage in terms of tax bands, so we are already targeted for living away from England. I now face potentially losing a state pension I have paid for as above. Why?? I am frankly sick of being looked upon and judged as a Brit who has made good, therefore I can contribute more again and again. The government need to break things down and treat those who work, pay taxes and keep the country afloat with respect.

Carol, Edinburgh     

A healthy alternative

This country is crying out for a first-class public transport system at affordable prices. Walk down streets that are squashed up with cars, no wonder there is so much difficulty in finding parking spaces. Then there is pollution and the cost. I read that Beeching regretted his decision to close down so many railway stations that were unprofitable. Nowadays everywhere is full of unhealthy traffic yet there is an unhealthy persistence in thinking that there is no alternative.

TG Springthorne, Southend-on-Sea 

• Winter fuel payments restricted to pensioners on certain benefits
• How to get pension credit and ensure you get the winter fuel payment in 2024

Stamp of approval

Your editorial on the importance of writing and receiving letters has inspired me to write one to you. Children must learn the value of proper communication and an ideal way of developing good habits should start in the classroom. Teachers should encourage pupils to write and post one letter every month. They should be asked to make a list of people they could write to and then draft their first letter. The class should be asked to vote for the best letter and a small prize could be awarded. This could be a regular feature of the English lesson.

Andrew Bainbridge, London   

Waste not

In Issue 1631 there was an article on furniture and appliance poverty. This was treated as a problem that could only be addressed with money. In fact, there are many organisations around the country (eg Besom) that tackle the problem by collecting unwanted furniture and appliances, check them and deliver them to people who need them. Somebody moving into a flat or house and unable to afford furniture, a fridge or a washing machine can be provided with these things at no cost. Most of these organisations are charities, using volunteers. This approach also avoids a lot of wastage materials, as many of these items are in perfect condition and can be given another life.

Nick Ward 

Nah, Nadhim

“I wasn’t explicit” doesn’t quite cover the magnitude of Nadhim Zahawi’s failure to pay £3.7 million in tax. Neither does “the hostile environment thing was a mistake” exonerate him from the hateful policies he supported in government.

Carol Crawford, Devon

Quite a trip

Good to read the experience and wisdom offered by Sam Delaney and Nadhim Zahawi, both of whom have found what is really important in life [Issue 1633]. Mr Zahawi has had a particularly tough journey. Good for both of them!

Juliet Chaplin, Cheam 

Big Issue is demanding an end to extreme poverty. Will you ask your MP to join us?

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about winter fuel payments, furniture poverty or any of the topics raised? Get in touch and tell us more. Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.