.....for economy', says leading think tank

Pensioners should be stripped of winter fuel allowance and free bus travel because it costs too much, a leading think tank has claimed. The Social Market Foundation (SMF) claims that the £1billion annual cost of OAP bus travel and £2billion cost of the winter fuel allowance does nothing to improve the economy and should be cut by the government as it tries to slash spending. The proposal prompted anger from charities who say that for many, the payments 'mean the difference between life and death'.

Ros Altmann, director general of over 50s specialist Saga, said: 'To suggest stopping pensioners from using buses for free is short-sighted and not the best way to stimulate the economy. 'It would leave pensioners with less to spend on other things and prevent many who are already struggling financially on the inadequate state pension from getting out and about and keeping fit. 'In the long-term this would lead to more isolation and health problems - creating increased demand on the NHS.'....Read more here--: Free bus passes and winter fuel allowance for OAPs cost £3bn and do nothing for economy, says leading think tank