Politicians court the grey vote because pensioners, unlike the young, vote
Labour has rejected calls from some in its own ranks to save £1bn a year by means-testing winter fuel payments
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There was a time when Labour and the Liberal Democrats talked a big game about ensuring that rich pensioners made their contribution to clearing the deficit.
But as the general election looms, Labour has rejected calls from some in its own ranks to save £1bn a year by means-testing winter fuel payments, free TV licences and bus passes, which cost almost £3bn annually.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats would both end winter fuel allowances for pensioners with enough income to pay the 40p tax rate (£42,000). But this would save a paltry £100m a year - less than 0.1 per cent of the £120bn spent on state pensions and pensioner benefits.
Some Conservative ministers have argued for the three perks to be curbed for old people who do not need them. But David Cameron has decided to extend his 2010 election pledge to keep the handouts universal, putting Labour and the Liberal Democrats under pressure to go no further than the tiny change they propose.
The reason for the caution in all three parties is not hard to find: pensioners vote. Some 64 per cent of those 65 and over say they are absolutely certain to vote, compared to 21 per cent of 18-24 year-olds. The parties have decided that votes are more important than sensible policies.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments