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Nicholas True, the chairman of the Lords committee, said: 'We are calling for some of the outdated benefits based purely on age to be removed.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

Managing Director

Cheshire West Recycling
Circa £115,000 (subject to negotiation) plus benefits
Cheshire West Recycling is a wholly owned company of Cheshire West and Chester Council, operating with a clear social and environmental purpose. Chester, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire West Recycling

Head of Adoption Fostering Kinship

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Head of Adoption Fostering KinshipPermanent, Full Time£73,883 to £86,921 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs & Maintenance Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E, SCP 18 - 25 (£31,537 - £36,363) per annum
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s Urban Design & Building Services team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Tenant Engagement Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP 26-31 (£37,280- £41,771 per annum)
Sandwell Council has established and continues to develop tenant engagement and the opportunities to shape Housing Services Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

General Assistant - Meals on Wheels

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band A, SCP 2 (£24,413) per annum, Pro Rata
Responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of quality meals in hygienic conditions. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner