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Nicholas True, the chairman of the Lords committee, said: 'We are calling for some of the outdated benefits based purely on age to be removed.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

Housing Ombudsman

Housing Ombudsman Service
£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.
The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)
Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service

Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer

Powys County Council
£90,347 – £98,135 per annum/y flwyddyn
We’re seeking an energetic, innovative, and inspirational leader to join our team at Powys County Council Powys
Recuriter: Powys County Council

Financial Systems Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£30560 - £32212
This is a great opportunity to join our Business Systems Team as a Financial Systems Officer, supporting the smooth running of key financial processes across our ERP environment. You’ll be part of a team that provides shared services to multiple partner Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Principal Litigation Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £55.0000 per hour
Epping Forest District Council - Legal Services Principal Litigation Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council£55 per hour Umbrella36 hours per week C England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Council Tax Recovery Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£34,203 - £37,067
Are you looking for your next role where you can make a real difference to your local community? As a Council Tax Recovery Officer, you'll play a vital role in ensuring income due to the Council is collected efficiently and fairly - helping to fund essent Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner