'We are angry and worried' – West Midlands people have their say on the cut in winter fuel payments for pensioners

'They didn't have any choice'

Pat McFadden, ex Wolverhampton MP now Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, says Rachel Reeves basically didn't have any choice but to cut the Winter Heating Allowance for pensioners. The reason being she's got to make the 'books balance'. So how does he, and her, give mega pay rises, way above the inflation rate to railway workers, junior doctors, teachers, police officers and serving members of HM Forces?

Both the doctors and railway workers pay rises are each about 10 times the savings made by the cutting of the heating allowance. Never mind the other increases. Now call me a grumpy old curmudgeon but I can't see how their economics sums work.

Perhaps either, or both, of them would like to explain to us how their 'savings plans' work, preferably in either this newspaper's letters column or as a main article in this newspaper. Obviously Ms Reeves couldn't give away her budget plans that she will announce in October, be they increases in general taxation of swingeing cuts in public services. Of course her party 'won' the last election by 'promising' no increases in income tax and national insurance rates. After all they are honourable members of an honourable party led by a man, who as late as May this year promised no cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance or the Triple Lock on pensions. Well one of those didn't even get through their first 100 days in power did it?

I will not be holding my breath in anticipation of responses or replies. Just more fuel to my fire of feelings towards politicians in the 21st century.

Michael Gough, Wombourne

'Utterly unacceptable'

As a Labour voter I find this move totally and utterly unacceptable and more Labour supporters need to stand up and say so . Could you imagine the uproar if the Tories had done it . I doubt Angela Rayner would simply have said “ oh dear it had to be done but here’s my suggestion on how to keep warm “ Brought in by the Blair Government it was never means tested benefit . It was understood that pensioners across the board would benefit even if a handful didn’t need it.

Nothing has changed if anything it’s got worse with the cost of energy etc going up as it has.

Labour nationally won’t get my vote again . If I wanted Tory policies I would have voted Tory.

Missuppity1960, via expressandstar.com

'Exptected to meekly take our medicine with a spoonful of sugar'

There is little doubt that those on a limited income will be awaiting the Chancellor's Autumn Statement with some anxiety. The decision to make the Winter Fuel Allowance a means-tested benefit has already caused some concern and anger.

It would be a mistake to presume that the current unrest and resulting protest and rioting is solely due to the influence of the Far Right. Anger and dissatisfaction with our political system is far more widespread.

No doubt when the Autumn Statement is received we will be expected to meekly take our medicine with a spoonful of sugar and behave like good little girls and boys. A negative response to the Autumn Statement will almost certainly mean that the honeymoon period for the new government will be over.

John Costello, Wolverhampton