Pensioners’ Manifesto

All men and women shall be entitled to dignity, security and fulfillment in retirement that includes:-

• A basic state pension set above the official poverty level (estimated at £165 a week in 2009), which is linked to the higher earnings or prices and paid alongside other existing concessions, to provide some financial security for all.
• Free long-term and social care funded from general taxation and provided to the highest standards in order to maintain dignity and without the need for means-testing, rationing or postcode lottery.
• Good quality local services funded through national income tax rather than council tax.
• Free UK-wide travel on all forms of public transport (buses, trams and rail) to encourage independence and greater mobility, as well as helping the environment and reducing demand on care services.
• An end to discrimination where it adversely affects the opportunities, goods and services available to older people.
• A winter fuel allowance of £500 per pensioner household to help maintain a warm and comfortable home.