ESSEX ANNUAL MARCH AND RALLY-2004

The annual march and rally of the Pensioner’s Action Association-Essex Region took place on the 23rd July in Southend-on-Sea.

Speakers included Alan Hurst-M.P, Jonathan Ellis-Help the Aged & Frank Cooper-NPC Vice - President.

The march commenced at Victoria Plaza, along the High street, Seafront to the Centre place Community Centre.

About sixty started the March which included Alan Hurst M.P. for Braintree and two reporters from the Local press. There were pensioners from Basildon, Braintree, Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, Chelmsford and Harlow present.

Alan Hurst M.P.

The champion of the Pensioners outlining the achievements of the Labour Government since 1997 had done for pensioners, but there are many other things that could have been done, Free TV licence at 75yrs but should now be lowered to 65ys, free eye tests. Transport in London is free, elsewhere, like a patchwork quilt. The Government implemented the free bus pass and half fares all over the country.

The Government has spent £1 billion on the Pensioners against £13 billion, spent on computers.

The most important thing is to restoring the earnings link to the basic state pension as it was in the seventies. This means keeping pensions in line with average wages and the Government knows that wages do rise faster than prices.

Mention was made of the increasing use of means testing for older people’s benefits.

As to the future of the Council Tax, the increases which are greater than the yearly increase in pensions, I would propose that it is replaced by a local Income Tax.

Over our working life, we have paid N.I. Contributions and should expect when we retire a comfortable living that we enjoy, not having to relieve on handouts.

The Pension credit is good but many problems with the administration.

Jonathan Ellis, Health and Social Care, (Help the Aged.)

The Government should address the needs of older people under Health and Social Care and the National Frame work for older people. The community should provide the needs for all people including older persons.

The attitude towards older people in our society is appalling. Help the Aged has recently published true evidence from older people; one which stands out is that a lady aged 70 fractured her arm. At the Hospital, she over heard the staff discussing, whether due to her age, she should be treated at all.

On Community Care we know that it is important that people preferred to treated in their home which the Government keeps on stating, but the basic facts are they are not providing the funds.

Intensive Care packaged are provided at the expense of those who receive less than two hours a week. This provision has been reduced by 20pc.

In our society, elder abuse numbers are increasing and the Government is reluctant in doing any thing about. The Age discrimination Bill will come into effect in 2006 but it does not go far enough, it shou;ld include Good and Services as this is very important when you reach the age of 70yrs.

One of the most controversial benefits is the DLA, if you qualify for this benefit before you reach pension age, this benefit continues with the addition of your pension.

However, if you apply after the pension age, only Attendance Allowance is paid, which means you could receive £40-£50 less per week with the same medical condition.

Frank Cooper, Vice –President, National Pensioners Convention

Conveyed greetings from the President, Rodney Bickerstaffe.

We are alarmed at a report from the D.T.I that in the future people should work longer and the ratio of contributions to the National Insurance fund should be changed in favour of the Employer. These are the people complaining about a “Pension Crisis”.

This is a deplorable statement from this organisation which represents large and small companies throughout the UK. Many of these Companies have taken Pension holidays for a number of years, closed down final salary schemes to new employees, offering them money purchase schemes in which they don’t have to contribute. Their are Companies who have recently gone into liquidation, who have used the pension fund to there own advantage and employees with 30 years service expecting a company pension on retirement has disappeared. Under the Liquidation rules, Pension schemes are not a priority.

In the National Insurance fund it is estimated to be 23.2 million surpluses, adequately funded to pay a decent pension.

In our society women pensioners especially widows do not get a fair deal.

The number one priority of the NPC is restore the link with earnings. The pension increase that was received in April 2003, taking into account the increases in Gas, Electricity, Water and Council Tax, pensioners was worst off than in 2002.

A regard to the campaigns by pensioner groups throughout the country, the NPC will support them, but it is the duty of the local Authorities to provide care and support in the Communities.

Finally, I do not know of any nurse that does community nursing that can divide nursing into Nursing Care and Personal Care.