Tough Going for Pensioners
THE CON-DEM CUTS seem to be affecting every social group in Britain. Ordinary working families, the unemployed, the disabled and youngsters have all been hit hard. However, spare a thought for Britain’s pensioners who are really finding it tough going.
According to the Mail Online (1) many pensioners have seen the cost of living rise by nearly 20 per cent since 2008. This means that “they are having to find an extra £1,000 per year to maintain the same living standards. It compares with average UK inflation of 13 per cent over the same period.”
The Mail report notes that this increase is due to the fact that pensioners tend to spend more money on heat, electricity and food. As these items have all soared in price, Senior Citizens have been hit badly.
For instance, “Gas tariffs have leapt by 25.3 per cent in just the past year, while electricity is up by 15.5 per cent.”
Cameron and Clegg also cut the Winter Fuel Payment for all OAPs. Those over 80 had £100 docked (with their WFP being cut from £400 to £300) whilst other pensioners faced a £50 deduction (from £250 to £200).
We feel that pensioners represent one group of people who we have a genuine responsibility to care for. To us, the actions of this Con-Dem government represent a national disgrace.
Date: January 22, 2012
Categories: NEWS CLIPS