Must be that I'm getting a tad on the elderly side, as not a day goes by when I don't see or read about something that makes my blood boil - and today is no exception.
I certainly did not expect to be blogging yet again on the issue of Winter Fuel Allowance. However, on reading the latest report from the BBC relating to illegal workers in the UK, I just had to fingers to keyboard for the second day in a row.
An investigation by the Beeb - aided by a Freedom of Information request - relates to the fines handed out to UK company's found to be using illegal workers: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23535938
According to the statistics provided, the Home Office has issued something in the region of £80m of fines - but only collected around £25m. Leaving a gaping whole in the finances of some £55m.
Now, given 'Boy' George Osborne's determination to save money at any cost I think that it is a bloody cheek that the same Government cannot put its house in order and collect nearly double of what would be the proposed WFA savings, by collecting the fines issued to those businesses using illegal workers.
Pensioners who have paid their dues (NI and taxes - and many expat pensioners still pay taxes to the UK!) should not be penalised by way of removal of funds that provide necessary heat during the winter, while those breaking the law are getting away with it and laughing all the way to the bank.
And to add insult to injury, the Guardian published this little number today citing how tax breaks by mobile phone networks are only now coming under scrutiny, due to them paying little or no corporation tax:
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jul/31/tax-breaks-mobile-phone-networks?CMP=twt_fd
So once again, we see this coalition Government targeting the easy prey, while veering and hiding away from the more difficult decisions and tasks in life.
Oh, if only we could all do that.
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