Rich Pensioners

[Rimms]

I'm reading with interest this morning a newspaper article that reports the chancellor, George Osborne is planning to target what he calls "handouts" to Rich Pensioners, things like TV Licence concessions, bus passes, winter fuel allowances etc. the newspaper is hailing this a great victory in it's campaign to stop handouts for the rich.

Nowhere does either the chancellor or the newspaper define what constitutes a Rich Pensioner.

[Jacqui Harvey]

Probably someone who has worked all their life, never taken a handout. paid all their taxes and also paid into a private pension. 

[Piscoe]

So if I dont make contributions to a private pension when I am young I will be entitled to these benefits when I retire? A disincentive to save for ones retirement if I ever saw one. What a stupid idea!!

[desmartinson]

Probably someone who has worked all their life, never taken a handout. paid all their taxes and also paid into a private pension.

Spot on Jacqui, I fall into that category , not rich though, I had to mention that before I start getting begging letters.     

[Colwyn]

News that the Treasury was pushing for this came out in early January when there was a disagreement between Osborne (pro scrapping the benefits) and Cameron (pro maintaining them). I have found no news on this within the last week (do you have a link George?). Whoever wins this dispute it is promised nothing will happen before the 2015 election. So this may become a quite important election issue with over 60s - who are the age group most likely to vote.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/downing-street-vs-the-treasury-david-cameron-and-george-osborne-clash-over-pensioners-perks-9050148.html