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Are Pensioners begining to loose there identity thanks to Government

(3 Posts)
mcem Thu 16-Jul-15 13:47:01

When it comes to my identity I do not see myself first and foremost as 'a pensioner'. Whether I use a bus pass or need the WFA is not central to my life.
Had the age related allowance been cut to less than the general tax-free allowance we might have grounds to object.
The existence of these 'perks' is an anomaly and, as GG points out would not be necessary if the basic pension were enough to live on. By all means tax them if necessary so that those who don't depend on them will pay some back, while those who do need them will benefit.
No question of losing my identity with or without perks.

Gracesgran Thu 16-Jul-15 13:00:17

I am not sure I would call it "loosing their identity" Mick. In fact, what is a pensioner? You seem to be defining "pensioner" as someone who has reached state pension age but that no longer defines many people. Many go on working past this age, perhaps using their state pension to enable them to work part-time. State pension age is, in itself, later now than it was.

You ask if the Government is causing what you see as a loss of identity but what you really seem to be saying is you object to certain things they have done because it means that those who have reached state pension age have lost any preferential status. To be honest I could never see why those who have reached state pension age (SPA) should have such a feeling of entitlement. Why should they receive higher tax allowances. The tax allowance rises for SPA were paused but now everyone gets the same increase in personal allowance. I realise it can be more costly for older people simply because of age related factors but it is almost always more costly to work. It simplifies the system and cuts costs so I feel it is a perfectly acceptable change to the system.

I have to admit I don't agree with "perks" either and they are only necessary because someone living on just the SP plus Pension Credit (a figure which basically equals the amount of the new single tier pension) is living at only a few pounds over the poverty level. There are other ways of solving this other than giving people financial pats on the head and benefits. A living pension (£10 - £12,000) would be a good idea although personal allowances may have to come down - or tax up - to pay for it.

12Michael Thu 16-Jul-15 12:37:47

When you look at the way the recent budgets have gone, something such as the tax free allowance being increased and itself has abolished the age related tax allowance.
Other things may happen due to there planned gradual further increases in tax allowances.
Will they we pensioners are getting enough to live so need of other perks such as bus pass, and free prescriptions can be abolished.
Think about it.
Mick