Energy: Winter Fuel Payment Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Campbell-Savours
Main Page: Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Campbell-Savours's debates with the Department for Work and Pensions
(12 years, 8 months ago)
Lords ChamberMy Lords, I am grateful to be told where my sympathies are but the reality is that about 500,000 people would be affected and the saving would be about £40 million a year. It would be expensive and difficult to do and, therefore, on its own, it would not be a good idea. That does not suggest where my sympathies are at all.
Would not this proposal actually penalise low-income group, basic-rate taxpayers?
I am sorry—I missed the point of that question. Will the noble Lord repeat it?
Would not the proposal penalise low-income group, basic-rate, elderly taxpayers?
No, I do not think so. This is just a universal benefit that is paid on a simple basis to households that need it. Older people above 80 receive rather more than those below that age.