'Improving the position of pensioners locally and nationally by taking action on the issues that affect them'. This is the aim of Hornsey Pensioners Action Group as stated at hornseypag.org.uk.
Our campaigns for existing pensioners affect future pensioners and we need to be in contact with people before they retire. At our AGM this week we shall welcome younger folk to join the ranks of our supporters.
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) supports us with background research and useful advice. A key demand is for a ‘Commissioner for Older People and Ageing (England)’. Those in Northern Island and Wales have been very effective: ageing-better.org.uk/commissioner-older-people-ageing
People aged 55 plus should be aware that 35 years of National Insurance (NI) contributions are needed to draw the New State Pension, currently £203.85 per week. Those with fewer contributions receive a fractional pension. The option to make back NI payments is possible before reaching the State Pension Age (SPA) of 67 - an expensive option but one that pays off for years to come.
In some circumstances workers can claim NI credits, such as care responsibilities that prevent employment. In the past, women often opted out of NI payments, relying on their husband’s pension. They are now the poorest pensioners, eligible for Pension Credit - often failing to claim.
The future is bleak. Those on low pay or without secure working contracts are struggling under the cost-of-living crisis. They cannot afford to prepare for retirement; we predict even more destitution among older people in years to come.
Our State Pension is much lower than in comparable countries, but it is earned – it is not a benefit. Benefits such as the bus pass, winter fuel allowance, free prescriptions etc are awarded to compensate for our inadequate state pension. We must defend the uprating mechanism - the Triple Lock, but this can hardly raise the state pension to its level in 1908.
Our meetings have covered a wide range of issues. Many covered the need for investment in good quality public services needed by all generations. - Find monthly reports at our website.
Across Europe and the UK, governments are trying to raise the State Pension Age (SPA) even though further increase in life expectancy is doubtful. In France there have been riots at the prospect of SPA rising from 62 to 64, while here it is 67! Why are the British so amenable?
Janet Shapiro is a committee member of Hornsey Pensioners Action Group.
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