Tick the box...

Not sure about this idea that pensioners should have to "opt in" to get the winter fuel payment.  When I first read it I thought it was a clever way round the problem, but the danger is that those who really need it may be too proud to ask and those who are on the margin may decide not to stick their heads above the parapet as it were. After all, many people would baulk at admitting that they need help with their finances.  So on balance, leave things as they are, I think.