A LAST-DITCH bid to stop the ending of British Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) to expats in so-called ‘warm countries’ like France has been launched – and needs readers’ urgent help.
British MP Roger Gale has today tabled a motion in the House of Commons asking for the ‘statutory instrument’ (SI) axing the payments to be anulled. It is now vital this obtains support from other MPs.
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I live in the Dordogne France where it has been as cold as --minus 18 degree,s .I am a female and only get £350... State Pension every 4 weeks and this fuel allowance makes such a difference to my keeping well in the winter time .Please don,t take it from me regards Patricia
Posted by: Patricia Bottomley | 21 January 2015 at 15:14
My wife and I have moved to the rural Vendee, mid Western France from rural West Wales just 6 years ago. During the winter hereabouts, it is often much colder than we ever knew in West Wales - down to minus 15 is not unusual. We rely on our wood burner to keep us warm since we do not have central heating. Our precious winter fuel allowance makes an important contribution to our fuel costs. I will pass 70 next birthday, not a time to be losing any kind of benefit especially after an unbroken working life of 45 years making contributions!
Posted by: Brian Hopkins | 21 January 2015 at 15:34
Many thanks for your comments, I am sure many other British people in France have a similar need for the winter fuel payment.
Hopefully there will be a change by the government, I'll keep the site up to date if there is.
Posted by: Craig McGinty | 21 January 2015 at 15:39
I live in Ain, on the border with Switzerland - we frequently go below -10c. I only had a short period of working in the UK and assume that is the reason that my application formthe WPF was ignored.
Posted by: Rosemary Bell | 21 January 2015 at 16:00
Please please don,t take our fuel allowance away .I have worked for nearly. 49 years never claimed a penny .It just would not be right to penalise pensioners just because we have moved abroad
Posted by: Patricia Bottomley | 21 January 2015 at 16:25
I believe that eligibility for this allowance should relate to temperatures where you live. This is easily available and capable of being checked.
As someone receiving a government pension, and paying UK income tax upon it, it is unfair to deny me access to benefits I am contributing towards through my taxes.
Posted by: David Shaw | 21 January 2015 at 22:56