Pensions

I have had more letters about the problems for pensioners than almost any other topic recently. 
Firstly the ordinary old age pension does not keep up with the cost of living or wage rises and taxes and fuel costs increase at a greater rate than pensioners can cope with. 

I have registered my support for the Pensioners' Manifesto which asserts that the basic pension must be increased and rise every year in line with average earnings or prices; that all long-term care should be free and that legislation should be introduced to prevent age discrimination.

Secondly pensions from firms that have gone into receivership or that can no longer meet their commitments have put a large number of local people into great difficulties. 
The Government have addressed the problem, probably inadequately, of firms that may fail in the future but so far have given no help to historical cases. 

Then there are many people who have been hit by failure of life assurance companies. 
At least the Government appear to have relented over the proposed changes to pension age for public service workers. 
Pensions will be a major concern for the next Government. 

Promoted and printed by Malcolm Cooper on behalf of  Dr. Richard Taylor
of .Independent Kidderminster Hospital and Health Concern,
137, Franche Road, Kidderminster. DY11 5AP

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