Current Affairs The Labour Party

[Xizor]

Think Pete might need to pace himself this bank holiday weekend, hitting the strong stuff so early on the Friday probably isn't a good idea.

 

[peteblue]

A piece in that Tory rag The Guardian…

“Let me caveat what I am about to say with a reminder that I have been a Labour loyalist, in government and opposition, for 45 years. I oppose our proposal to cut the winter fuel allowance. This is not factional, or self-centred, but comes from a sincere belief that it will be a terrible blunder. Today’s price cap rise by Ofgem, which will increase the average energy bill in Britain by 10% to £1,717, makes reversing the decision to cut the allowance all the more urgent.
I understand the reasoning behind the cut – it seems patently wrong that those who clearly do not need it still receive it – but the speed with which we plan to introduce this change means there will be a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of poorer pensioners who are not already on pension credit. Take-up for pension credit has never been close to 100% – it stands at a meagre 63% on the most recent figures (2022) and failed to rise above 66% for the last decade – and the lack of notice also means no pensioner has had the chance to save during the year to try to compensate.”…….

 

[mightymoyes]

You have read the specifics right?

I'll give you a clue. It's 2024.

are you actually trying to claim labour didnt promise to reduce energy bills when they were in power?

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

are you actually trying to claim labour didnt promise to reduce energy bills when they were in power?

Hello mate.

They said they'd freeze the bills at a particular level when they were historically high. In 2023.

The energy cap has now dropped. The rise in October will see the 'cap' still below what they said they freeze it at in 2023.

I think you are either being stupid or disingenuous. There's a lot to beat Labour with, this isn't a useful one.

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

are you actually trying to claim labour didnt promise to reduce energy bills when they were in power?

Here we go mate:

Labour’s energy price freeze: fact checked – Full Fact

There appear to be some errors in the calculations in Labour’s plan to freeze the energy price cap, which might mean that it isn’t “fully-funded” after all.

fullfact.org

It's a historically contingent plan in opposition. It wasn't a general election manifesto promise.

Crucial difference.

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

A piece in that Tory rag The Guardian…

“Let me caveat what I am about to say with a reminder that I have been a Labour loyalist, in government and opposition, for 45 years. I oppose our proposal to cut the winter fuel allowance. This is not factional, or self-centred, but comes from a sincere belief that it will be a terrible blunder. Today’s price cap rise by Ofgem, which will increase the average energy bill in Britain by 10% to £1,717, makes reversing the decision to cut the allowance all the more urgent.
I understand the reasoning behind the cut – it seems patently wrong that those who clearly do not need it still receive it – but the speed with which we plan to introduce this change means there will be a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of poorer pensioners who are not already on pension credit. Take-up for pension credit has never been close to 100% – it stands at a meagre 63% on the most recent figures (2022) and failed to rise above 66% for the last decade – and the lack of notice also means no pensioner has had the chance to save during the year to try to compensate.”…….

I don't think many dispute that it's the operationalisation of this policy that's cack handed. It doesn't feel like a particularly well considered policy in terms of rationalising the cut off point or any form of means testing.

 

[peteblue]

I don't think many dispute that it's the operationalisation of this policy that's cack handed. It doesn't feel like a particularly well considered policy in terms of rationalising the cut off point or any form of means testing.

But remember, as she said it was a choice. A totally stupid one, but her choice nonetheless……

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

But remember, as she said it was a choice. A totally stupid one, but her choice nonetheless……

Labour’s bedroom tax, innit.

 

[peteblue]

As Joey said, they could have simply said anyone paying 40% tax has it removed, simple to operate and clear as day to pensioners…..

 

[peteblue]

Labour’s bedroom tax, innit.

More like a Poll Tax….

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

More like a Poll Tax….

Na, it's that early silly policy disproportionately affecting those with leadt that sets in discontent.

Ho hum.

 

[peteblue]

Hahaha, just read that Jeremy Clarkson has banned Keir Starmer from his pub. What a good idea, and if he screws up the small business council tax allowance, may well find he’s barred from every pub in the country…….

 

[Alan Whittle]

So what is the pay of train drivers, GP’s, civil servants, teachers etc,

A lot less than that grifter Farage and they do a lot more for it.

 

[Xizor]

I also volunteer to be banned from Jeremy Clarkson's pub. Is there an official form somewhere I need to fill in or can I just rest easy knowing that, like Starmer, I was never going there anyway?

 

[Alan Whittle]

I also volunteer to be banned from Jeremy Clarkson's pub. Is there an official form somewhere I need to fill in or can I just rest easy knowing that, like Starmer, I was never going there anyway?

No, I’m Starmerus.