More money in your pocket.

We are all aware some of those missing out on winter fuel payments. But lots of pensioners do not claim credit they are allowed/due to. Some great advice and help. By Barnsley council, including drop ins. At various sites to help. It's on the Barnsley.gov.uk/mmiyp website..

 

From what I've read, if all the poor pensioners took up the benefits they are entitled to relating to this, the Exchequer would just about be breaking even. I'd be happy with that situation, as so many pensioners don't need it & some need it deserately.

I agree there are a lot on the margins. I'd raise in the tax threshold for pensioners only, at the rate of the next pension increase would have been a fair fix for this, but I can't see it coming. It is ridiculous that a lot of people on state pension, many of which may have dementia, or struggle with the internet / eyesight / hearing, etc may need to complete a tax return. As well as everything else, stress & probems down the line for family, this will cause a lot of extra expense for HMRC, who should be sorting out the scammers & tax evaders instead.

I'd have liked the Government to do more to publicise the help available though. Like most benefits, these things are wrongly held back to people in need, unless they get help from a charity.

Big up to @Hooky feller for posting, as there maybe people on here, who can take advantage of the help.

 

Lots are saying the government/s should do more to get the money into the correct places. Including me. But at the mo it is what it is, so bairnin helps to keep the pressure on. (the Gov. are well aware of the public thoughts on the subject.) but this is the here and now. Every little bit will help those in need.

 

Bump

 

Call D.I.A.L Barnsley on 01226 240273 for any benefit checks providing information on what you are entitled to plus
They also fill out your forms
All sevices are free, independent from job centre Council or government departments
A local registered charity working for most of the Barnsley Borough
Unfortunately parts of Darfield Elsecar Birdwell wards are not covered by Dial services.
This is due to certain Ward Alliances not subscribing to the funding and choosing Age UK
Hope this helps

 

More money in your pocket. Apart from Keir is putting up uni fees when he mentioned in the past scrapping them. Also that Keir has gave the green light to councils to put up council tax next year by the maximum 5%.

 

I don't think many pensioners will be paying uni fees

 

Something gives me a teensy inkling you’re maybe not a fan of the PM.

Things go up every year and we just had the highest inflation in decades. Personally, I’ve no issue with councils putting up council tax or with university fees going up.

 

Wow !

 

Just for clarity...
Darfield, Elsecar, Birdwell, Wombwell are covered by Citizens Advice.
DIAL couldn't provide this service due to staffing levels so CAB got the contract.
2 drop in sessions in both Hoyland and Wombwell Libraries.
These are in the Community, face to face.
These are funded by the Barnsley South Ward Alliance, Rockingham, Milton, Darfield and Wombwell.
Also CAB are contactible by the national phone number.
Having dealt with Dial a few times I can honestly say they provide a brilliant service and the parts of Barnsley that they cover have a fantastic setup to deal with.

 

He's not a fan of everything considered popular. When the world zigs dreamboy likes to zag.

 

Erm Oaps.
But in answer to your point re uni fees. It was said when the economy was in a much better state than now. And wasnt a pledge at the election. Removed in 2023.
As for Council tax being kept to 5% max that was the cap set by the tories. Upheld by Starmer. It is a max.
Given the fact Barnsley has suffered with less aid from central government than the vast majority. (Over the entire lifetime of the previous government) I reckon Barnsley council has performed well with the finances available. (as one of the poorest areas of the country and loss off aid from the EU. After Brexit) Some councils going bust.
Pledges (maybe the word should be replaced by best intentions at this moment in time ) are made by all parties based on the economy at the time. When things go tits up (Covid, wars etc) prior to an election expect pledges to be altered to suit the economy of the time.
The lib dems got into bed with the tories. Did they get the pledge through on tuition fees, no. For me they sold their soul to the devil.

 

Labour have done exactly the same thing as the LibDems on tuition fees and will be punished by the electorate accordingly. Starmer lied about pretty much everything to get elected but had no vision or programme for Govt.

We are where we are

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Ce3YhQUvj/?mibextid=UalRPS

 

I retired over 3 years ago and have paid tax in all those years, but I've never had to submit a tax return. Increases in my policies are forwarded to HMRC by the providers. I simply receive a new tax code every April.

 

It depends where the money is coming from. I'm pleased you have not had an issue, but that is not the case. If you have a pension scheme with a final salary pension, then yes, but that is not the case, tax will be deducted at source. For many people, that won't be. You might have unit trusts, separate investment pots, or even do a bit of work here & there. With the tax bands not increasing, we have another Post Office scandal, where some people are made criminals for literally a few quid over the threshold. I'm not hammering Labour. I voted for them, as it happens, but we seem to be losing focus on who we are targeting for tax.

Edit... benefits too, like PIP, etc.