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Mabels Features contains articles of interest for you. It is edited by Jo Godden who has a regular talkback page.

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*Latest News

Keep ahead of the latest news & information on the following topics by clicking on one of the following links:

Press release

Winter fuel payments for pensioners are an 'unsustainable' response to fuel poverty and should be reconsidered, according to a new report.

The Government's �2.7 billion-a-year budget for winter fuel payments might be better spent on lagging, insulating, reglazing and modernising the homes of pensioners who cannot afford to heat them properly, suggested the Audit Commission.

The Commission pointed out that only 12% of people receiving the payments - worth up to �400 a year - are classed as being in fuel poverty. And it said that the payments do nothing to encourage energy efficiency and reduce the CO2 emissions blamed for global warming.

Audit Commission chairman, Michael O'Higgins said: "A one-off improvement in energy efficiency would cut household bills, giving householders lasting independence. Good for the planet and for their pockets. Surely this would be much better than pensioners needing continual government support to keep draughty houses warm every winter."

In a report entitled Lofty Ambitions, the Commission said that improvements in domestic energy efficiency can play a big part in meeting the government's legally-binding target of 80% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Homes account for a third of Britain's carbon emissions, which could be cut more quickly and cheaply than those from industry or transport, said the report.

Cutting the power consumed by homes by one-third would cost around �50 billion, but the money would be repaid through cheaper fuel bills within eight years. The measures would improve the health and comfort of the 4 million people who cannot currently afford to heat their homes properly - half of whom are pensioners.

The report states: "Expenditure on winter fuel payments, as well as being poorly targeted, does not provide a sustainable solution to the problem it seeks to address. Winter fuel payments increase incomes but do not reduce energy consumption or bills. It would be more sustainable to improve energy efficiency in fuel-poor households, reducing energy bills and CO2 emissions."

It said that local councils are well-placed to support the fight against climate change by obliging or subsidising social landlords and private sector homeowners to reduce domestic CO2 emissions. It urged the Government to carry out a check on whether its voluntary approach to emissions cuts at the local level was working.

Mr O'Higgins added: "The global issue of climate change must now become a domestic one. There is a growing realisation that, unchecked, climate change will destroy the natural and built environments. Reducing emissions now will be far less costly than adapting our world to the consequences in the future."

www.audit-commission.gov.uk

*Holidays

Don't feel guilty about being kind to yourself - take a holiday. You need to give yourself time to relax, and to engage in activities that you find rewarding. It is sensible, not self indulgent to look after your self in this way. Doing things you have to do all the time has a negative effect on your emotional health. As well as the fact that a holiday or trip can renew the strength required to carry on in the face of difficult circumstances.

There is a vast choice of cheap holidays in 2007 on offer using the internet and there is something for everybody..Just click here to browse further

http://www.mabels.org.uk/travel_holidays.htm

Warner Breaks -

Short breaks - Inclusive UK short breaks at luxurious hotels in beautiful surroundings. Spa, activity and entertainment breaks available. Online bookings and savings with Warner Breaks.

Senior citizen travel insurance on Mabels - Find travel insurance for the elderly & much, much more for the over 50s & senior citizens.

*Making life easier

Check out the latest offers on mobility products...

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*Have you got a birthday or anniversary coming up?

Visit some of the top resources in our Gift section & our quick link shopping section, if there's a landmark event coming up, you should find something here to mark the occasion.

http://www.mabels.org.uk/gifts.htm

Mabels quick link shopping

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*Top resources of the Month

Southwicks Garden offices - The home garden office, insulated and secure

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Link to homepage

The Original and unusual Gift Company

Enter a world of truly unusual christmas presents from The Original Gift Company and visit our flagship store, based in the historic Stow-on-the-Wold in the heart of the Cotswolds. The Original Gift Company is probably best-known as the publisher of Britain's favourite gift catalogue, full of inspiring ideas and with FREE personalisation on many products.

Click here to browse

This month's funny..

I'M NOT OLD, I'M JUST MATURE

Today at the drugstore, the clerk was a gent.
From my purchase he took off 10 percent.

I asked for the cause of a lesser amount;
And he answered, It's the Seniors Discount."

I went to McDonald's for a burger and fries;
And there, once again, got quite a surprise.

The clerk poured some coffee which he handed to me.
He said, "For you seniors, the coffee is free."

Understand -- I'm not old -- I'm merely mature.
But some things are changing, temporarily, I'm sure.

The newspaper print gets smaller each day,
And people speak softer , can't hear what they say.

My teeth are my own (I have the receipt),
and my glasses identify people I meet.

Oh, I've slowed down a bit , not a lot, I am sure.
You see, I'm not old ... I'm only mature.

The gold in my hair has been bleached by the sun.
You should see all the damage that chlorine has done.

Washing my hair has turned it all white,
Calling it blond is just about right.

My car is all paid for, not a nickel is owed. Yet a kid yells, "Old duffer, get off of the road!"

My car has no scratches, not even a dent. Still I get all that guff from a punk who's "Hell bent."

My friends all get older ... much faster than me.
They seem much more wrinkled, from what I can see.

I've got "character lines," not wrinkles, for sure, But don't call me old : just call me mature.

The steps in the houses they're building today
Are so high that they take your breath all away;

And the streets are much steeper than 10 years ago. That should explain why my walking is slow.

I'm keeping up on what's hip and what's new,
And I know I can still dance a mean boogaloo.

I'm still in the running, in this I'm secure,
I'm not really old , I'm only mature.

Click here for more humour

Your benefits & allowances

Quick link summary of benefits, allowances, health & general resources for the elderly

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The benefits calculator

This resource will help you to find out whether you are entitled to the following benefits :-

- Pension Credit
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance