Cold comfort for pensioners

In the English papers it's been reported that this could be the worst winter coming for 50 years – and coal is not cheap.

Last winter I was so cold in my three-bedroom States house. I can't put the radiators on as I can't afford it. The radiators were put in to help everyone keep warm but the electricity went up 18% that year and there have been more rises, so myself and many have been unable to afford it. I live alone and have been begging for a move for six years. I am partially disabled but there is nowhere for me to go – they have got no houses or flats. My doctor has written many times because he is afraid I will fall but I just keep getting fobbed off.

I was expecting a rise in the heating just to keep warm – plus there are more cuts to come – including free TV licences for over-75s.

I am 73 but I like my TV, the soaps etc. Most are rubbish but we have nothing else and I love the news/Sky.

I really do think that we should have Mark Dorey back in the States Insurance. He really did do a good job and he cared about the old people.

Also, just an idea. Many are out of work and claiming benefits. Many have a right to do so and want work and some don't. My point is there used be eight weeks on relief and eight off. Things need doing over here i.e. the bathing pools, weeding etc., so the ones that don't want to work could be made to earn their benefits.

Name and address withheld.

Editor's footnote: Deputy Allister Langlois, Social Security Minister, responds: 'Winter fuel allowance is payable to householders on supplementary benefit. In recent years, when the cost of fuel and light has increased, Social Security has recommended that the amount of the allowance be increased by the amount of the retail prices index relating to fuel and lighting. Therefore, it is appropriate when the cost of fuel and light goes down to recommend an equivalent reduction in the amount of the allowance. The cost of fuel and light reduced by 7.8% in the year to June 2015, therefore Social Security is recommending that the fuel allowance for the winter of October 2015 to April 2016 is reduced by 7.8% to £27.66 per week. This does not represent a change in policy or any move to gradually reduce the fuel allowance over time.

I have already clarified through the letters page, that anyone over 75 who has been receiving a free TV licence will continue to do so. The proposal to stop this benefit only applies to people who become 75 from next year onwards. I do note that your correspondent is 73 years of age, so will not receive a free TV licence in two years' time, presuming that the States approve the proposals. Low income pensioners who are receiving supplementary benefit will still be able to claim a free TV licence.

Your correspondent suggests that people who don't want to work could be made to earn their benefits. Social Security launched its new Work2Benefit scheme during the latter part of 2014. This is a mandatory work and training scheme for people who have been unemployed and claiming supplementary benefit for some time. Participants carry out work on projects which are of benefit to the community or the environment in return for their weekly cash benefit. If they do not participate in the scheme, and do not have a very good reason, benefit payments stop.'