Member Info for 67Sam

5%, bad luck Brixton :) You should have piled in big time to Next Energy Solar.

"personally able to provide a few examples"

Me too! I can think of a few examples where shareholders would have suffered a total loss. And many more examples where as holding is worth less after five years, even with dividends taken into account and disregarding the impact of inflation.

S1

"Anyone under 60yo really needs to start planning (now) for "zero state pension" when they retire"

I agree - I just hope it's anyone under 57 and the "ten year notice" rule isn't changed.

A901

Everyone knows they need to save for their retirement. Removing the state pension from those that work very hard to supplement it would be a disaster. Why bother to even try and save, if you lose a guaranteed £12.5k a year by doing so? If it were to be proposed I cant see the public taking that one lying down. Also a massively disproportionate negative effect on women, who generally spend less time in the workplace due to pregnancy and childcare.

"67s

£50,000 ?"

By £50,000 I meant those who pay higher rates than 20% income tax and are retired. I would say that was a fairer place for a cut off point. I think those people can keep themselves warm OK, without state help? I am not defending Reeves decision to cut it from all except those on pension credit, but for some reason you seem to think that I am. I understand and share your concern about the "slippery slope" of setting a precedent that could result in the loss of all universal benefits, including state pension. But that is a hypothetical concern not a practical one, as it has not yet happened.

Gu

"A nation that kills its own children has no future"

Pope John Paul II

Not sure which one of them came first? I assume El Popey was talking in the context of abortion. No idea what Putin was on about, as he appears to be mobilising conscription as soon as they turn 18.

I think the emphasis should be on the civil duty to protect our children. Sadly this appears to no longer be possible, not just in yesterdays events; look at the rise in knife crime between children.

The worst scenario, to my mind, is that of indoctrinating children, as occurred in the Hitler Youth.

"born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents"

sounds plausable, thanks for info

"It's fairly obvious who the killer would be, apparently came here on a boat last year"

Ive no idea who was responsible for this atrocity, but the reports in the press today say that:

" A 17-year-old boy, from the Lancashire village of Banks but born in Cardiff, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder"

"I was referencing a state pension".

I think we have stablished that we both believe state pension should remain a universal benefit. I am suggesting that £600 for people who enjoy a £50,000 a year income is unnecessary. There is also an argument for a universal basic income for all, in order to replace benefits. The problem with means testing is that the cost of administering any benefit increases massively.

"67Sam, nail on the head"

The only time I have ever agreed with you was that the NCB lied to Scargill in the 80's about their plans for mine closures. Generally I find your posts trite and unpleasant. I am not a socialist and do not vote Labour. You're like a parasitic parrot that pops up every day saying "popcorn anyone". Don't be leaning in to me with your obsequious crap.

"Are you"

Yes, the only purpose of winter fuel payments is to give older people reassurance that they can afford to heat their homes in winter.

"I dont support people who are retired and still paying higher rate income tax because of private wealth being given a winter fuel allowance"

Appears to be an unpopular view. It's about £500-£600 maximum. I'm suggesting people who have a gross income of c.£50,000 plus dont need that kind of state help.

"They would be shafting themselves as well then wouldn't they, as it would also affect them when they come to retire".

By your logic then it will be safe as a universal benefit forever.

"dont they will think twice"

dont expect they will think twice

"NI is simply just another tax" it is, except it is also the sole tax that determines qualifying years for state pension. I realise theres no pot, but Im told government need to give 10 years notice. So they would have to change the law again, as Im 58. I had already "earned" enough S2P that took me to the level of the New State Pension so I did not benefit from that rise.

By the time I am retired there will be a great many over 65's, but fewer people of working age. Whether I like it or not, younger people will get fed up of the burden, particularly if they still cant buy houses. Millennials will be in power one day and I dont they will think twice about shafting older people for their state pension.

"every year for 45 years", no thats wrong, its been 39 years.

"...people who have invested and now with a 'wedge' of shares doesn't need the handout of a state pension"

I hope that doesn't happen, it would cripple my retirement. I suppose I feel an element of being "entitled" to it, as Ive paid NI every year for 45 years. I would not support a change to a means tested state pension, though I will have absolutely no say over whether it happens or not. But I dont support people who are retired and still paying higher rate income tax because of private wealth being given a winter fuel allowance. So I think it was a pragmatic place to start, but if I understand correctly it will now only be given to people on means tested benefits. If that means someone who retired with a full state pension but has no other income has it withdrawn, then I think it's a retrograde step. I would not be surprised if in future we see a raid on all personal pensions to help reduce the national debt. I dont agree with that either, but based on previous posts I know that national debt at c.100% of GDP concerns me more than it does you. I have some sympathy for the idea of redistributive taxation but my guess is Labour, as ever, will hit the wrong people.

You're right, she does sound a bit robotic. However, listening to a lack of intonation with a bit of a lisp is a price I'm very happy to pay for honest accountancy of taxpayers money. And although she is not the greatest political orator, any such comment is laughable post Truss; the Minister by which all other Ministers must be judged*. Personally Ive never seen anyone stoop lower and behave more ineptly than "The Lettuce", in either side of the Commons. So I'll give "securonomics" a chance. No, I didn't vote Labour. And anyone here holding a wedge of Lloyds shares doesn't need a handout for winter fuel.

*Apologies to John Peel.

"Hopefully we have a Black Swan moment"

I think Falky will be hoping for one of those as well! Take care sufc and good luck you old shrimper :)

It was only three days ago I said to Seany, "I cant see it happening myself". Today is not only 60p by Friday, but an unexpected ending in blue. I'm very pleased and surprised, I will have to keep my pessimism in check.

Falkland. "Will add more shorts..." Do you have a tendency towards self-harm?

Help is available here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/self-harm/getting-help/