With regard to the WFP read Roger Boaden's analysis of the deception of the Dept of Work and Pensions.
http://pensionersdebout.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-winter-fuel-payment-dwp-deception.html
It is distressing how so many expats are apathetically accepting the DWPs false arguments - Why do they not object directly to the politicians and not just grumble. John Alcock has done his best. Active protestations are necessary - We need politicians on our side - They are so few. - More.... much more is necessary.
TO keep abreast of info - send an email to either lefourquet@gmail.com or graham.richards@orange.fr
We need a n army of protestations sent to the MPs at Westminster
http://pensionersdebout.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/the-winter-fuel-payment-dwp-deception.html
John,
These people are just dirty crooks who look for slippery ways to rob us of benefits we have earned.
As an expat who doesn't happen to have a lot of money, I deeply resent the fact that rich people in Bournemouth enjoy warmer winter weather than practically all of mainland France but still get WFP.
I can't afford to return to the UK, let alone buy property in Bournemouth.
Some time back i wrote to a Paul Burstow who i believed responsible for implanting the idea of the removal of Winter Fuel Allowance for expats. My first reply was that he would not talk to me as i was not a member of his constituency, i then asked why he was proposing something that would have a detrimental effect on myself and thousands of other expats who have worked and payed taxes many who still paid taxes in the UK i would out of sheer politeness expect an explanation. His second and last reply all other mail being ignored was extremely condescending and suggested if i was stupid enough to to leave the UK then expect to pay the price but as i had plenty of money being an expat it shouldn't really bother me.
My mail to the Labour MP in my old town of Stoke on Trent didnt even warrant a reply.
With the recent success of UKIP i have written to their office asking for their stance on expats and possible impact if the UK leaves the EU in its present form i wont hold my breath
Sadly, the people who should be reading this probably won't.
But my message to them would be - If you get complacent about politics you get Hitler!
I have already done this as Brian knows, but it is important for us to be represented in the UK, so please stir yourselves and get to it.