Gordons attempt to buy off the pensioners' rebellion looks like it could backfire. I sure hope so!l
His decision to give the over 70's an extra £100 towards their Council Tax bills is so unfair. Doesn't he think that the 60-70 year olds face the same problems also being on a fixed income and being presented with tax hikes on average of 7%?
I can't stand this government so my criticism will not come as a surprise but even Help the Aged and Age Concern have called the move disgraceful.
What do all you silver surfers think?
i dont like the idea and think it is unfair. but thats only my opinion on what is in the first post
How generous of Gordie to give pensioners over 70 £100 towards their council tax. Big Deal! And these people have contributed to the tax system for over 50 years! :mad:
DaBouncer
19-03-2004, 07:16
Originally posted by Lickszz
How generous of Gordie to give pensioners over 70 £100 towards their council tax. Big Deal! And these people have contributed to the tax system for over 50 years! :mad:
I thought pensioners got council tax benefit:confused:
Is that before or after been subjected to a intrusive means test and filling in a Shakespheare book size form. :D
An identically priced dwelling maybe occupied by 2/3/4 wage/salary earners.
Next door maybe occupied by a pair of pensioners. Totally unfair.
little malc
19-03-2004, 09:09
You certainly get no benefit if you have any savings, yes, I think the 100 pounds is a cynical political move, however, what real opposition is their to this government? Oliver Letwin (Wetwind!) does not fill me with any great hope as an alternative to Brown.
Savings between £3,000 and £15,999 attract a "tariff" income for the council tax benefit calculation. Savings over £16k and you cannot qualify for any benefit.
It's the pensioners who have small private pensions that the big rises in CT have really hurt. They paid extra money into pension funds so they would be better off (than those just on state pensions) in retirement. The reality is that the extra income from their private pension is off-set, almost £ for £, by the amount they lose in housing benefit and/or CT benefit. They are effectively no better of for their years of saving and paying into pension funds.
As GB said, this is only meant to provide short term relief to the elderly whilst they review the whole council tax system. I agree, it might have been more warmly received had the £100 been given to the over 65's instead of just the over 70's.
Originally posted by Fletch
i dont like the idea and think it is unfair. but thats only my opinion on what is in the first post
Thank you very much Gordon, it is appreciated and may all your troubles be little ones.:banana: :banana: :banana: