Winter Fuel payment was originally introduced as a bit of smoke and mirrors to uplift the State Retirement Pension but by making it a single payment the intention was to give the impression that it was a temporary measure that would not be affected by the normal uplift to state pensions each year. I see no reason why it should not be paid as a universal top up to the pension whatever the recipient's means. I see no good reason for anyone to be thankful for the arrival of UKIP another smoke and mirrors job but with unusually foul smelling smoke.
Hi Richard, a rather controversial posting but I guess you want to stimulate a debate. Well, the Winter Fuel Payment is an entitlement and hasn't been means-tested. It recognises the extraordinary extra expenditure on fuel during the cold winter months and is paid to pensioners alongside their State pension. The State pension isn't means-tested, and nor should the WFP in my opinion. Really it should be seen as a £25 per week pension top-up during December and January.
This will probably start a debate about entitlements, and means-testing. But if you've worked and paid your taxes, not claimed benefits, done what is perceived to be the 'decent thing' and supported yourself and your family throughout your life, then surely it's a supplement to the pension that can be seen as an entitlement when living in a cold northern country.