Aged persons rights to free things

[hermes2007]

My Mother (82) mentioned this some time ago and there was a good discussion on Radio Somerset this morning. Older people now get quite a range of freebies from fuel allowance, free tv license (over 75), free bus pass, and soon free swimming. But the callers pointed out that really they are paying for this through their rates anyway (as the Govt grant doesn't cover the costs) and some people are more deserving than others. As far as I could tell most wanted a higher pension and a way for these benefits to be more targetted - but if possible without means testing. I have long thought that disabled people should get a heating allowance and free tv licenses as many are stuck at home all day.
Interesting that this Govt is treating the heating companies with the same 'lite' touch they once treated the Banks. The lady in the community shop in Steeple Ashton told me she had just had a bill for £1000 for one quarter!