Mark Whitehead 25 April 2019

Peers call for a rebalancing of policies ‘in favour of the young’

A House of Lords committee has recommended ending free TV licences for over-75s, lowering the age for free bus passes and scrapping the triple-lock on pensions.

It says the measures will help to close the growing gap between older and younger generations.

The House of Lords committee on intergenerational fairness said it was time to 'rebalance government policy in favour of the young'.

The recommendations come amid growing concern over the plight of young people being squeezed out of the housing market and facing lower living standards than their parents.

However, the proposals are likely to face strong resistance with older people more likely to vote in elections.

Anna Dixon, chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better warned against 'headline grabbing proposals.'

She said: 'This is not about old versus young, it’s about creating a society where everyone regardless of income or background can enjoy every stage of life.

'Headline grabbing proposals like abolishing free TV licenses based on age risk distracting from the big structural changes needed across housing, work and communities.'

Nicholas True, the chairman of the Lords committee, said: 'We are calling for some of the outdated benefits based purely on age to be removed.

'Policies such as the state pension triple-lock and free TV licences for over-75s were justified when pensioner households were at the bottom of the income scale but that is no longer the case.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Homefinder Officer - Harlow Council

Essex County Council
Up to £17.7100 per hour
Homefinder Officer - Harlow Council Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary 3 Months Contract £17.71 PAYE / £22.18 Umbrella Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Educational Psychologist

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,685 - £60,048
West Northamptonshire Educational Psychology Service is seeking to recruit creative and innovative psychologists to expand its existing team of skilled and friendly staff, as we develop and grow. Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Facilites Assistant

Ashfield District Council
£32,061 - £34,434 per annum
A great opportunity has arisen to be involved in the assistance of managing key Council facilities Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Vehicle Technician

Ashfield District Council
£36,561 - £38,934 per annum including market forces supplement
We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, enthusiastic, and excited about keeping our wheels on the road. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Contract Liaison Officer

Ashfield District Council
£35,412 - £38,220 per annum
You will also complete stock condition surveys to properties and assets managed by the Council Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner