23 Dec 2014: winter fuel payments

In Britain just before Christmas, the government pays £200 to everyone aged over 60 to help with the increased cost of heating during the winter. This winter fuel payment is not means-tested and there are many people – like me – who are in well-paid full-time employment and don’t need this kind of support. There’s a case for avoiding means-testing to make sure that the payments reach everyone who is in need, but it’s then important that people who aren’t in need should consider how best to use the money.

I’ve decided this year to transfer my winter fuel payment to Alzheimer’s Society, via my JustGiving page.

Please, if you’re in the same position as me and can’t really justify keeping the winter fuel payment, consider donating it to a charity for the benefit of less fortunate older people.