We call on the Chancellor to right the wrongs caused by the cruel decision to scrap the winter fuel payment for 10 million older people, in her Budget on 30 October by:

• Restoring a universal winter fuel payment for all older people on modest incomes, payable automatically without the need to claim. Silver Voices has suggested a cut-off point at the level of the higher rate of income tax
• Resisting calls for the means testing of other universal benefits, such as the bus pass and free prescriptions in England
• Ruling out the scrapping of single person discounts on council tax
   

We further note that the need for universal benefits is the very low rate of the basic state pension, particularly the ‘old state pension’ received by the large majority of pensioners, currently standing at £169.50 per week. We urge the Chancellor to address this long standing problem by:

• Setting targets to eliminate the growing gap between the old and new state pensions, and to set a realistic minimum level of the state pension which is sufficient for life’s essentials
• Taking measures to ensure that the basic state pension is never taxed
   

Retired people deserve to be able to spend their final years with dignity and in reasonable comfort, not juggle constantly between heating, eating and other household bills. 

Chancellor you must protect older people as one of your top priorities!