Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Pensioner perks to be scrapped?

Difficult one. Myself and most of my friends are now retired and I know of none of them who could not afford a BBC License. It is obviously true that some pensioners are on the poverty line, but it is equally true that so are many working people. My vote says get rid of it. But of course the "I've worked hard all my life brigade ..." would make it too difficult for the powers that be to make economically sensible decisions.
(Oh comparing this sort of stuff to the Lords attendance allowances, makes good sound bite stuff, but is of not much significance economically, a quick bit of unscientific googling suggests that getting rid of the House of Lords allowances would give every pensioner about 2 quid.)

It is easy for the very rich and powerful to suggest these things...I would love to turn up to my village hall and get paid £300 then come home again.

I have no objections against support of people in need, may they be old or young but from my point of view there is little justification for general support of golden agers, e.g. reduced rates on public transport or lower ticket prices in museums.

True. And it should not be allowed, and demonstrates a lack of equability. But as said, not very relevant from a redistribution of funds perspective.

I would suggest that most of the members of this forum, and by extension most of their friends, are in the moderately well off to very well off bracket. As such reduction in benefits is not going to have a significant effect on their lives however for those who have worked in poorly paid jobs and have small pensions.

Peter, you are right.
Our problems are often far away from "grassroot reality"

Peter, no arguments from me on Pensioner poverty, the suggested figure is (broadly) 10% of pensioners. But there has to be a better way of helping those 10% then giving 1.4 billion to those who don't really need it. Means testing would be unacceptable. But would giving free licenses to those who do not pay income tax work?

(Bit of a stretch to say if you are moderately well off then most of your friends will be)

I've been saying this for years.

My income, from pensions and part time consulting, puts me into the 40% tax bracket.

I neither want, nor need, any of the "pensioner benefits. The money should go to those in need, be they young or old.

I am in similar position to Peter and I think "means testing" is appropriate. 40% tax payers should NOT receive these benefits.

Ditto, if / when I retire I will be in the 40% tax zone. I am with you Peter on this.