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AUTUMN 2019 Issue No. 55
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Open yourself to new ideas and challenges – as well as looking
back to good times and achievements from the past
The Association thanks Portsmouth City
Council for their support in kind and
encouragement given in many ways. Views
and opinions expressed within do not
necessarily coincide with Council policies.
page 2 | Autumn 2019 PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55
Welcome to Pompey Mr Trump, during his visit made it clear
that with new Trade Deals everything will
that it’s pensioners/grandparents that
save the country six hundred million
Pensioner Magazine be on the table. I say clearly “hands off pounds in childcare and a similar amount
our wonderful National Health Service” It in voluntary work in the NHS and other
Issue No 55 cannot have escaped anyone’s notice that groups such as The Red Cross, and various
We would all like to thank Alan for his he retracted this later after Mrs May made charitable organisations.
outstanding service to the Association it clear that there will be two parties to All of this must remain the focus of our
– we are glad that he will continue to these negotiations. campaigns in the coming year and I’m
support us and write articles. There is still uncertainty as to the Brexit confident that we’re up to the task.
Welcome to our new Chair Steve Bonner negotiations. Who knows, Boris the
Many thanks to our dedicated committee
who made a rousing acceptance speech – “wunderkind” may have worked his magic
for their work behind the scenes. Also of
we look forward to much more to come. by the end of this month. I’m not holding
course to the hard working editors of this
Alan gave a clear indication as to the aims my breath.
splendid publication.
of the Association which are
To: Involve Influence and Inform. Regards
The Pompey Pensioner Magazine will A NOVICES’ VIEW Steve Bonner
support all of these aims.
FROM THE CHAIR
Since the last publication much has
happened but notably a wonderful
First report from
It’s the first edition of the Pompey
75 Anniversary Celebration of D Day.
Pensioner magazine since Alan Burnett Vice Chair
Personally I found Mr Macron’s piece
was elevated to the lofty heights of
deeply moving Alan Burnett decided at this year’s AGM
‘President’… I will try my best to fill his
My letter is going to cause great sorrow, to stand down as Chair of our Association;
size 11’s as the new Chair.
but I have seen you so full of courage Steve Bonner took on the roll leaving a
that I don’t doubt that you will remain Many thanks to Alan for his unswerving
vacancy in his post as Vice Chair. I was
courageous if only for love of me. I am dying dedication to the PPA over many years.
asked to step into this roll and accepted,
for my country. My wish is for a France that First let me welcome new readers to our this was voted on and agreed at our AGM
is free and for the French to be happy…a magazine as well as our existing members. although I was not present.
France that is hardworking, industrious and The tasks ahead, as I see it, are to increase I met with Steve Bonner for a Motor sail
honest. our membership in the hope that we in Chichester Harbour in an old restored
If my hand is shaking as I write it is because I can address the problem of loneliness oyster boat. Steve was in his element at
have a small pencil. amongst isolated seniors. the helm, the rest of us were disappointed
I do not fear death, my conscience is as there was no wind to sail. Once ashore
We need to expand our social activities to
completely clear. Goodbye. Death is over a coffee I asked him the question,
reach more of the 14,000 seniors in the
calling me. ‘What does the Vice Chair do?’ his reply
Portsmouth area.
was, to just chair the meeting if I’m not
I am sure that you have your favourite too We have to stabilise our income for these
there. His next sentence was I’m NEVER
– perhaps the farewell letter written by a activities. The proposed increase to £10
away. Hmm Hmm!
husband to his wife read by Theresa May p.a. for membership was endorsed by the
Next day I had an Email to say Steve
NWG Skinner 3rd June 1944 members at our last meeting.
was in Birmingham for the weekend. I
My Darling, this is a very difficult letter to We will also be looking to register the quickly e-mailed Alan Burnett ‘Help’. I
write. Portsmouth Pensioners Association as a was away baby-sitting for the weekend so
Something may happen at any moment… Charitable Organisation. While this would I couldn’t do any preparation for the PP
You and I have had some lovely years that furnish us with a wider scope to apply for meeting, Alan e-mailed me back and said
seem to have passed at lightening speed. funds, it also brings a whole new range of we would do a double act. We met up for
administrative problems which we’d need a meeting on the Monday morning and
My thoughts at his moment on this lovely to deal with. went through the running list. Luckily the
afternoon are with you all now. I can All of this aside, we must not lose sight Speakers were close to my heart as I had
imagine you in the garden having tea with of the fact that we are a campaigning been following the plans for the Sea Front
Janey and Anne getting ready to put them organisation: Beach Defence. As the time approached it
to bed. With attacks on the Triple Lock on our was a bit nerve racking having to face my
Although I would give anything to be back pension, plans to remove the Winter first audience of over 100 people. This is
with you I have not had any wish at all to Heating Allowance, assaults on free tv where I Sink or Swim I thought!
back down from the job we have to do. licences for the over 75’s and threats to If you were at this meeting I will let you
our bus passes. decide how it went?
There are now proposals to extend Since retiring I have found lots of different
‘working life’ to 75 years of age with areas to expand my life and learn new
suggestions to bring ‘those outside of skills which is very exciting.
economic activity’ back into work .(i.e I look forward to representing you as Vice
retired people). Chair.
Felicity McKenna
Let us remind the current government
PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55 Autumn 2019 | page 3
As far as campaigning will be adversely affected. Some will
is concerned, we all struggle to pay the fee and their reliance
know that national on TV for news and entertainment put
politics is in turmoil, in jeopardy. That is why Portsmouth
and issues such as Pensioners’ Association, together with
the future funding of the MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen
social care has been Morgan, joined thousands of campaigners
side- lined. But there throughout the country to protest. We
are local and national say that it is the Government should pay
issues that should as they have done up to now and not the
command our attention BBC. We wait to see whether the new
and energy. As part Conservative government responds to the
of the 60+ FESTIVAL case that has been made. Don’t hold your
in October we will be breath!
hearing from leading
local councillors on But payment of TV licences is just one
their vision of the city. example of the possible threat to the
There are environmental welfare state and older people.
issues such as pollution What may happen at the thick end of
on our main roads, and the wedge!?
the Southsea coastal
defence scheme which Not only has the number of wealthy
are important. There are pensioners been exaggerated, but a
many older people in clearer knowledge of the actual cost
the city who still don’t of benefits that are available to older
claim their entitlements, people is needed. For example winter
women who have been fuel payments cost annually £2.2bn, free
WHAT TO DO? short- changed in terms of their pensions, bus travel £1bn. I do not know the cost
and seniors who are at risk from isolation of provision of free prescriptions and eye
WE DO. and loneliness. tests for the over 60s, ( although it is true
President’s Preface So what about the real threat to our
that two fifths of the NHS budget is spent
on those 65 and over) but that is part of
WE MUST BE ALERT TO THE standard of living? And how does the the wider commitment from the NHS to
idea of the ‘thin edge of the wedge’ apply
‘THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE’ to recent developments in relation to
provide free health care at the point of
delivery.
Now that the responsibility of having universal benefits which up to now have
to chair PPA meetings has been lifted helped us to live good later lives.? (The Most people accept that some degree
from my shoulders, I am able to devote thin edge of the wedge refers to an initial of needs/means testing and individual
myself wholeheartedly to research and event which while small in itself may contributions should apply in relation to
campaigning on behalf of older people lead to other larger, more serious and paying for residential and day care, and
locally and further afield.. I also hope to damaging problems) think it is fair that poorest pensioners
maintain our links with organisations like should get help in relation to housing,
As a campaigning movement for older health, heating and paying the council
the City Council and Age UK, as well as
people we must never be complacent. tax but it is winter fuel payments and the
securing the future of the Pompey clinic
There are many in Whitehall and bus pass that are likely to come under
which we help to fund in Ethiopia.
Westminster who seem to believe that attack in the next few years. Personally
Current research projects include (1) how British older people are well off, enjoy far I would accept that some wealthy older
the University impacts on local life and too many benefits and don’t contribute households do not need help paying their
the city – especially involving students much to society. The Resolution Society, fuel bills and there may be a case for
and older people and (2} the prevalence a House of Lords committee and the change. But I certainly would draw the
of poverty amongst pensioners and Ratepayers Association to name but line at the bus pass. Not only because it
children in the city. We need to provide three, have all argued that hard won keeps bus companies and routes viable,
those in authority with detailed factual entitlements enjoyed by older people/ but also due the proven benefits the
evidence of the needs of our older pensioners should be cut back and/ or system bring in terms of the environment
population, as well as remind them of the means tested. They have questioned and encouraging social interaction.
social and financial value of what we have the need for the triple lock on pensions,
given and do contribute to the life of the the free bus pass, and the winter fuel Removing, limiting or means testing this
city. We need to build on the Age Friendly allowance. And now for the first time it widely appreciated benefit constitutes
City report which we published a couple is happening. Free TV licences for those the ‘thick end of the wedge’ which we
of years ago. over 75 will, as of next year be limited to would not accept. It would be vigorously
those on Pension Credit. Nearly 10,000 opposed by PPA and many others.
Offers of help in these tasks is welcome. people in the city of Portsmouth alone
page 4 | Autumn 2019 PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55
project, Dorothy
Close Encounters at has turned her
person for the patient to speak to or see.
Patients can often be seen more quickly by
Age UK Portsmouth life around with a nurse or physiotherapist for example. In
a much improved some cases a GP practice may not even be
If you heard someone say ‘Close social network. the right place for an enquiry.
Encounters’ would you envisage an extra- When asked about Care navigators will play an important role
terrestrial film? Rest assured this newest her experience in not only helping you to access faster
Age UK Portsmouth service has very little of the Close health care but also ensuring that GPs can
Alien involvement! Encounter service, dedicate more of their time seeing those
Based at Age UK Portsmouth’s Bradbury Dorothy said: patients who most need their help.
Centre, Close Encounters is a National “Your personality What is care navigation?
Lottery funded project working in and outlook • Care navigation supports practices and
partnership with Gosport Voluntary has really cheered me up, my lack of patients to make the best use of NHS
Action and the South Central Ambulance companionship was really getting me resources.
Service. It is a three-year project that down. You have changed my life and • It’s a model of care that improves access
aims to help alleviate pressure on I don’t feel embarrassed to go out to primary care services for patients and
ambulance services, supporting older anymore, I want to meet new people reduces GP pressure.
frequent callers with no medical need. now.” • It allows front line staff to provide
Their aim is to enhance quality of life by Alongside their Close Encounters project patients with more information about local
improving access to community support, Age UK Portsmouth offer an extensive health and wellbeing services both within
companionship, information, advice and range of services including Help Around and outside of primary care.
advocacy services. The Home, Gardening, free solicitor • It’s about offering patient choice and help
The service, committed to helping appointments, Veterans Befriending, to access the most appropriate service first.
individuals who feel lonely or isolated, has Social Activities and Events, IT Training, It means other patients will find it easier to
a dedicated team of staff who will meet Hairdressing and Chiropody. get a GP appointment.
with service users in an environment that If you know someone who would benefit How it works
suits them best –be that in their home, from a call from an Age UK Portsmouth When you make an appointment with
or whilst enjoying a coffee at The Old team member or perhaps just requires your GP you will be asked for an outline
George Café in the Bradbury Centre. The some information: of the problem followed by a series of
team’s approach is friendly and informal, Phone 023 9286 2121 asking for a Close questions about the reason for wanting
as goals are reached with the service user Encounters chat an appointment this will help the care
which then facilitate an improved outlook email enquiries@ageukportsmouth.org.uk navigator ensure you see the person
on life. Goals can be as uncomplicated or visit the Team at the Bradbury Centre, best suited to help you. They can refer to
as gaining the confidence to join a 16-18 Kingston Road, PO1 5RZ. information about services in the practice,
other NHS providers and the wider care and
club, getting a new hair-do, or learning
to use a computer. Support can also
Care Navigators help to find support sector. Where appropriate they will
your way around the health system direct the patient to these services.
include Entitlement checks or help with
GP practices in Portsmouth are You don’t have to do this. The care
Blue Badge and Attendance Allowance
introducing a scheme to help patients navigator will respect both your privacy
applications.
see or speak to the most appropriate and your right to say “No”.
Most people will feel lonely at some point
healthcare professional more quickly. You will never be refused an appointment
in their lives.
Around 230 practice staff across the city, with a GP.
We often feel lonely when we don’t have
including receptionists, have been trained Care navigators will never try to diagnose
strong social relationships or are unhappy
to become “navigators”. your problem or offer you clinical advice.
with the ones we have. Loneliness is
They won’t offer clinical advice but will This is about offering you the choice to see
associated with depression, psychological
help signpost you to the most appropriate other health professionals who are more
state, mental health and sleep problems.
health service for your needs. The GP is appropriate than the GP and who may
Fortunately, support is becoming
not always the best person to see or the often be able to see you more quickly.
increasingly available to combat
route for getting the most appropriate care The goal is to ensure that patients get the
loneliness.
faster. right care, at the right time, in the right
Dorothy is 94 and a former Royal Air Force
Dr Linda Collie GP clinical lead for NHS place with the right outcome.
Radiographer who struggled with anxiety,
Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group Patients can be offered choices allowing
loneliness and lacked confidence following
which has paid for the training said: them to go straight to the service which
her move from Essex to Portsmouth.
“We know it’s not always easy to navigate best suits their health and well-being
Despite loving the area, Dorothy found
local health services to find out who is best needs.
herself struggling and losing the mobility
placed to help you for a particular health Some might say this is yet another,
she once had. Following cancer treatment
problem or concern. worrying, intervention between patient
last year she lost touch with all of her
Care navigators have access to a directory and GP, and that, despite assurances,
friends, she used to be very sociable
of information about services to point unqualified people will be taking decisions
and outgoing with a large circle of
patients to the most appropriate source of about our health.
companions.
help, advice and support.” Sue Petrie
With the support of the Close Encounter
A GP might not be the most suitable
PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55 Autumn 2019 | page 5
Mind the gender
pension gap
The gender pension gap is bigger than
the gender pay gap according to latest
government figures.
Women in the UK receive 39.5% less
pension income than men – twice as large
as the current pay gap. This equates to an
average annual shortfall of £7,000.
Women workers generally have lower
wages (therefore lower pensions)
breaks in National Insurance or pension Solent WASPI Update
contributions due to parenting, caring
On Friday, 17th May, members of Solent WASPI were at neighbouring Hampshire County
responsibilities or insecure or part time
Council’s AGM/Full Council Meeting to support Councillor Malcolm Wade’s Notice of
employment.
Motion. Our member Carolyne Jacobs made a deputation to the Council, and a motion
Marion Wilson - National Pensioners
calling on the Government to consider making fair transitional arrangements for all 1950s
Convention vice president said: “If you
women was approved. While state pensions are a matter for national government, councils
are low paid when you are working you
have a role to play supporting local residents and lobbying Government on their behalf.
will have a poor pension in retirement
Subsequent media coverage included Carolyne’s excellent interview with Express FM-all
so for many women struggling to make
invaluable for spreading the message.
ends meet doesn’t stop when they give up
work.” A real opportunity to move the WASPI campaign in a new direction presented itself,
On average women receive 25% less state following Shelagh Simmon’s interview for the Women`s Community Activism, a Heritage
pension than men – including many of Lottery Funded project based at the University of Portsmouth. Project Co-ordinator, Dr
those who before 1977 paid the Married Anna Cole, invited Shelagh and I to be part of a panel presenting “The past is before us:
Women’s Stamp which does not entitle women’s working lives and the campaign against state pension inequality” at the Oral
them to a state pension. History Society Annual Conference held on 5th/6th July at Swansea University. Shelagh
As a result women’s median overall gave a compelling overview of the campaign and I presented audio clips from interviews
pension is just 57% of men’s. conducted with four of our members. As Shelagh has observed, ‘Awareness can be raised in
Married women are the poorest in terms many ways’.
of personal income and previously In response to WASPI’s support for the tree-planting initiative, the Vote 100 Plant 100
married women are twice as likely as men project, on a cold afternoon in early March, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan invited
to be on means-tested Pension Credit. volunteers and supporters to a thank-you event at the Constituency office in Albert Road on
In 2017 the average weekly amount of Friday 28th June. We are very grateful for Stephen`s ongoing support for WASPI.
state pension received by a woman was One of the highlights of the year for campaigners is the annual Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival,
£126.45 per week compared with £153.99 held 19-21 July this year. Solent WASPI attended on the final day and along with members
for men. from other branches, took part in the procession through the village. WASPI is grateful for
Among those over 65 only 43% of the support of the GMB and Unite unions for facilitating transport.
women received any private/occupational
The future for WASPI women is subject to a good deal of political and legal uncertainty.
pension, and the median amount for these
Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, remains in place, in new Prime
pensions is 53% of men’s.
Minister Boris Johnson’s Cabinet, which is far from encouraging, despite his promise at
Private pension scheme members
election hustings in Cheltenham “to return to this issue with fresh vigour and new eyes and
and savings vary widely according to
see what I can do to sort it out. Because I’m
occupational class, employed hours and
ethnicity all intersecting with gender.
Back to 60 and a conscious it’s been going on for too long.” We
agree.
Poverty blights the lives of many of Judicial Review Meanwhile, judgement on Back To 60’s
today’s older women and limits what
they can afford to do and socially isolates ‘Back to 60’ will never succeed. It Judicial Review, which took place on 5th/6th
them. is a pity that it has been allowed to June, has been reserved. It is unlikely that a
www.npcuk.org overshadow WASPI. decision will be made before October 1st.
The equalisation of SPA (State Pension WASPIs maladministration remain on hold.
Age) has been extremely badly handled But we are not going away!
by DWP. WASPI is after fairness for Kathryn Rimmington / Shelagh Simmons
women born in the 50s, many of whom 19/8/19
must be on supplementary benefits.
If there was more fairness in these
High court ruling - Judicial
pensions the State might pay less in Review Over 60s challenge
supplementary benefits and gain more Judges rule that the government’s handling of
tax from the higher pensions. the pension age does not discriminate against
Pat Bentley PP member women. 3/10/2019
page 6 | Autumn 2019 PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55
Cracking Down on New Blue Badge Rules Statistics on
Abuse of Blue Badges New rules about the use of Blue Badges Homeless People
will make it easier for autistic people
Five more motorists were prosecuted There are 320,000 homeless people in
and others with invisible impairments to
during May by Portsmouth City Council Britain a rise of 13,000 with thirty six
secure a badge.
for misusing Blue Badges to gain free people becoming homeless every day
parking and were ordered to pay fines New government rules are likely to lead and nine recorded deaths every week.
totalling £2,499, including court costs and to a significant increase in the number of According to Shelter one in two hundred
surcharging. disabled people eligible for Blue Badges and twenty two people ie 174 homeless
across England. people live in Portsmouth.
In all five cases, the Blue Badge displayed Disabled people with Blue Badges already The Museum of Homelessness (MoH) and
belonged to other people and was used find it almost impossible at peak times to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism
in their absence. Amongst those sent find a parking space. So, the government have been recording deaths since October
to court were three University students has announced a new taskforce aimed at 2017 and have released figures as part
using the badge to park closer to home clamping down on fraud and misuse to of the Dying Homeless Project. Nearly a
or the University. Blue Badge misuse is ease the pressure on parking space. third of fatalities occur in emergency or
a criminal offence which can lead to a temporary accommodation. The figures are
prosecution resulting in a fine of up to The government was forced into making collated through coroners’ enquiries, media
£1,000, plus an order to pay towards the changes because of its previous coverage, family testimony and freedom of
the costs of the Council prosecution decision in 2014 to tighten the rules information requests to verify details of at
and a criminal record. It can also lead which led to a judicial review case taken least 235 homeless people dying over the
to confiscation of the badge. An Officer on behalf of an autistic man with learning last six months.
can ask anybody in a vehicle to produce difficulties.
The same figures for last year showed 449
a disabled badge to them for inspection. Justin Tomlinson, Minister for Disabled deaths recorded in 12 months – on average
Failure to do so is a criminal offence. People said “It’s unacceptable that one every 20 hours.
people with hidden disabilities still face Co-founder of MoH Jessica Turtle
Councillor Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member discrimination when using facilities like commented “People aren’t able to access
for Traffic and Transportation at PCC said: parking spaces. Extending the scheme will the support they need. We are sure there
ensure those with hidden disabilities are are many more deaths. Data is not being
“It is disappointing to learn that in all of able to travel with greater ease and live
these cases, the badge used belonged to a recorded or there is a delay while inquests
more independent lives.” are resolved.” Chris Wood, head of policy
family member. Abuse of this kind affects
the everyday lives of genuinely disabled A disabled person will be automatically at Shelter said the levels of homelessness
users and cannot be tolerated, no matter eligible for a Blue Badge if they are “a scandal. These deaths cannot be
what the circumstances. receive eight points or more under ignored and we demand urgent action from
the “moving around” activity of the the new Prime Minister.”
If you drive on behalf of a Blue Badge mobility component of PIP or they Why has rough sleeping in Portsmouth
holder as a relative, friend or carer, make receive the PIP mobility component and got worse?
sure you know the rules and use the badge also score at least 10 points under the The Society of St James, a Hampshire based
accordingly. You must be able to account “planning and following journey” activity homelessness charity, has identified the
for the holder’s whereabouts when because making a journey causes them reasons for sleeping rough as a traumatic
displaying the badge It’s that simple.” “overwhelming psychological distress.” childhood, alcohol and drug use and
Others who do not qualify automatically mental health issues or any combination
could still be eligible for a Badge if they of these. These issues exist in their lives
pass an assessment to decide if they before they become homeless when
cannot walk or undertake a journey these problems become more serious and
without creating a risk of serious harm, entrenched. Rough sleepers are more likely
“causing very considerable psychological to have been in care, to have witnessed
distress” or “ very considerable difficulty violence at home, to have substance
when walking”. misusing parents and to have left school
without any qualifications. Homeless
The extension has been welcomed so long people are more likely to have been in
as efforts are made to sort out the misuse in prison than the average member of society.
the current system.
However, this does not explain the rise
Sue Petrie in the number of people sleeping rough
as these issues have not significantly
changed. It appears that recent changes in
the benefits system, the national housing
shortage and cuts to services are at the
root of the problem.
PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55 Autumn 2019 | page 7
safe homes as key for keeping older folk but these have been rectified by the
healthy and engaged citizens. contractor. On balance we liked what
Ruth London from Fuel Poverty Action we saw and are less fearful of what might
spoke of winter deaths caused by happen with the forthcoming Southsea
hypothermia, lamented the scrapping Coastal defences so long as we are able
of Green Deal that had started making to easily see all the activity on the Solent
progress improving insulation of old and approaches to Portsmouth Harbour.
housing stock and suggested the need for Blackpool and Cleveleys just had empty
an Energy Bill of Rights. sea (and rain) with not a single boat in
Discussion during Q&A revealed Scotland sight.
Pensioners’ Conference had good social housing strategies leading
to an enthusiastically supported call to
Betty & I really struggled with the concept
of admitting we were with a bunch of
– Blackpool 2019 end Right to Buy in England & Wales pensioners (I’m still 29+ with a bus pass)
(scrapped in Scotland years ago), need but once an Abba tribute band got into
In the absence of other Pompey Pensioner for age friendly housing communities their swing at the last night’s social where
volunteers Betty & I offered to attend to ease transition from independence we met someone who was an apprentice
the Pensioners’ Parliament in Blackpool to interdependence and for street by in Portsmouth 40+ years ago and hasn’t
Winter Gardens in June. street insulation (rather like the GIA been back since so we did our Shaping
Blackpool was wet and gloomy which programme). Portsmouth Ambassadorial bit and then
matched delegate’s and the opening The afternoon was devoted to the social hit the dance floor to (non fracking) shake
speaker’s dismay with the announcement care crisis stating the need for local the world back into perspective ready to
that free TV licenses for over 75s was to be authorities to be at the heart of local return to sunny Southsea.
scrapped for anyone who doesn’t qualify provision linking health, social care and Charles Burns
for Pension credit. License anger was a housing with a call for a Commissioner July 2019
thread throughout the conference so a for Ageing covering the devolved
coach was organized to take campaigners administrations to champion the needs of
to lobby at Manchester Media City after an ageing population. This has been done TOLPUDDLE FESTIVAL
closing speeches on Thursday. in Northern Ireland so no need to reinvent
After welcome to (wet) Blackpool the wheel. Apparently there has been and REMEMBRANCE
by a (pensioner) councillor the first an offer of a Government Minister for
presentation was from a pensioner who older people but this is considered a sop, On Sunday 21st July several members of
turned into an inter-generational climate a way to spin vote winning sound bites Pompey Pensioners’ Association travelled
change activist when she was chained rather than compiling a costed wish list by coach, at the invitation of the General
with her son and granddaughter to of needs to be negotiated with politicians Municipal & Boilermakers Union, to the
pipes at the Cuadrilla fracking site (post and bureaucrats and constructed into Dorset village of Tolpuddle. They then
conference note – drilling has started an agreed programme to attract cross joined a march to the village church for
again causing the first earth tremors in party consensus rather than short term the annual wreath laying ceremony on
Blackpool since the Pensioners’ Parliament gerrymandering tactics that change every the grave of James Hammett. James
was there!). time the minister does. Hammett was the only one, of the six
This was followed by the Communication men sent to Australia in 1834 for fighting
Workers Union General Secretary who Our Chairman has been provided with for better conditions and higher wages,
spoke of growing inequality and called for a fuller of report of the sessions we who returned.
a new deal providing greater job security attended for the committee to ponder
then advised the CWU is looking to open (need to keep them occupied!) with
its own post office as a template service a suggestion they consider if there
hub and to work with local authorities are matters that are relevant to us in
to do likewise. The growing inequality Portsmouth & SE Hants and in particular
theme was continued with a report of support the proposal for the appointment
Leeds University research finding that of a Commissioner for Older People
metropolitan cities are concentrating to champion the needs of an ageing
services and the importance of ‘Place’ population.
(hubs?) for local communities citing the Blackpool Council provides free tram
work done in Preston. passes for NPC delegates so on the first
The afternoon finished with a disturbing night we went to Fleetwood, got off the
report of how 2nd & 3rd generation tram into a greater downpour than when
Windrush descendants are being deported we left conference so jumped back on the
Day two morning theme was housing & tram to return to Blackpool where it was
fuel poverty with a report of research by still raining! (is this climate change?)
Stirling University which had devised a After the next day’s sessions, we took the
board game prompting housing providers tram to Cleveleys to look at the recently
to think outside their silos to devise completed sea defences. It is understood
housing strategies for good, warm and there had been construction problems
page 8 | Autumn 2019 PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55
for the change and not a previous The BBC Board claimed it was the ‘fairest
Government. Why not raise the eligibility option to help the poorest pensioners.”
age for free tv licences to 80 and those
who are 75 and on pensioner credit? It follows consultation with 190,000
Penny Proudlock people of which 52% were in favour of
reforming or abolishing free licences.
Ready to go care plan delayed until 2020 “We think it’s fair to those over 75 but
The prime minister has said his promised also to all our audiences for whom there
blueprint for overhauling the crisis-hit was no appetite for the level of cuts
social care system in England could be that would have been necessary if the
delayed until next year. ( The average concession had been extended.
weekly cost of nursing care in England
Always look on the bright side of life according to Which magazine is £876, and There are people for whom this will be
Optimists are likely to live longer there is a growing discrepancy in different unwelcome news .
according to a recent study. The most parts of the country and amongst those We know we have a loyal audience over
optimistic men and women increased who have to pay and those who do not) the age of 75 but we think many of them
their lifespan on average by 11 to 15 per The new Prime Minister has said that a will understand the difficult position.”
cent and had a better chance of reaching new plan would be ready to go once he
Since then, because the number of
85 years of age than pessimists. These was in office. Now his proposals will be
pensioners continues to grow and because
results were maintained after other ready in ‘due course’. Nigel Morris
we are all living longer, thus making more
factors were accounted for, such as age,
eligible for a free licence, the BBC has
disease, education, alcohol use, exercise
and diet. So ‘always look on the bright TELEVISION LICENCES been pondering if it can afford the bill.
side of life’ is not just a song from ‘The In 2020 it’s estimated there will be around
Life of Brian’, a positive outlook can make Up to 1.5 million over 75s who previously 4.6 million households eligible for the
a difference to how long we live. received a free tv licence will have to pay over 75s scheme.
Florence Snead from 1st June, 2020. This is a compromise. A third of the cost
Free licences were first introduced for will be born by the BBC and two thirds
Not all baby boomers are well off
over 75s in 2000 by Culture Secretary passed on to ‘wealthier’ pensioners.
There is a perception that all older people
are well off and debt is more of a problem Chris Smith at the same time as half-price The elderly are the biggest consumers of
for younger generations. However, this licences for the visually impaired as part BBC output, the average age of BBC tv
is not born out by the evidence. Among of a Government programme to reduce audience is now over 62.
55-74 year olds recent research has shown pension poverty.
How far should younger licence fee payers
unsecured debt has risen by 34% in the By 2010 the cost of free licence fees for subsidise older viewers?
past four years. Borrowing by nearly the over 75s had reached £36.5m
half of this age bracket who are in debt As consumption of traditional tv by
is not on luxuries but essentials such as In 2015 the Government said that by younger viewers continues to drop there
home repairs, and covering day-to-day 2020 the BBC would take over the cost are questions about why they are being
expenses. Equity release is not always the of providing free licences for over 75s as expected to pay for a service that the
answer. Ros Altman part of the fee settlement at a cost of heaviest users get free..
£745 million – a fifth of the BBCs current
budget by 2021/22 and to £1 billion by In the BBCs consultation in November
Retiring at 75 is just not viable 2018 it was found that:
It appears that increasing the retirement the end of the next decade.
age to 75 has come from people with no In 2015 the BBC News website stated it 48% respondents were in favour of
financial worries and who can give up would cover the cost of providing free continuing concessions to over 75s
work whenever they wish. If I have to work tv licences for over 75s and in return the 37% were in favour of reforming the
until 75 I am depriving others of getting licence fee would rise with inflation. This current rules
jobs. And how can teachers, manual was referred to as ‘The Deal’ at a cost of
labourers and nurses be expected to work £745 million, a fifth of the BBCs current 15% in favour of scrapping concessions to
into their seventies? I am sure there are budget by 2021/22 in the run up to the over 75s
many occupations in which it would not renewal of the BBC Charter in 2017. Pensioners are now less likely than any
be viable to carry on working to this age. other group to live in poverty.
Then the BBC announced that it would
Also many pensioners are carers for older
not pay for this even after putting up tv In 2000 46% of households with
and younger relatives. Letter to guardian
licences in 2017 for the first time since someone aged 75 or more were among
2010 and then in 2018 and again this year. the poorest in terms of income.
Don’t blame the BBC for fee fiasco
As a 78 year old pensioner I am not The BBC will scrap blanket free licences In 2012 that proportion had fallen to less
against paying for my television licence. I for over 75s but households with one than 32%. This has come about because
am, however, most disappointed that the person on Pension Credit (around 90,000 incomes of over 75s households have
prime minister continues to perpetuate households) will still be eligible at a cost grown more rapidly than average.
the myth that the BBC is responsible of 1.5 million by 2020.
PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55 Autumn 2019 | page 9
Income, wealth and life expectancy of
older people have improved significantly, Life President of Pompey Pensioner Assoc.
pensioner poverty rates have fallen and and former RN submariner, Cyril Saunders,
older households report higher well being
82,speaking to a reporter from The News
on a range of metrics.
said, ‘All of our politicians recently made a
However big thing about the D Day veterans, the war
Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK generation and the debt owed to them. Many
said there were “compelling arguments of these veterans will now have to pay £154
in favour of the over 75s tv licence
for their TV licence. Actions speak louder than
concession. We noticed how important
tv is. One in four over 65s say this is their words – we put this country back on its feet
main source of companionship” after the war and this is the thanks we get.’
Portsmouth MP urges
Minister to be bold and unjust changes is aware of the damage local born MP was the statistical data for
stand up for pensioners his Government is doing to Portsmouth how pensioners in his city will be affected.
pensioners.” Mr Morgan has conducted his own
when it comes to free Mr Morgan’s speech forced the
research through listening to constituents
TV licences Government Minister to justify the
who responded to his letter. He used the
Westminster hall debate today to inform
policy change, particularly the notion of
During a Westminster Hall Debate the Minister on how his city felt about
attaching the benefit to Pension Credit,
relating to free TV licences for over 75s, these changes.
which has been widely criticised by
Mr Morgan spoke forcibly in favour of experts and MPs alike. “We know that in Portsmouth South, from
maintaining the benefit for pensioners. respondents of over 300, nearly 90 %
The debate follows a Government led Stephen Morgan MP said:
supported the continuation of the free TV
decision to revoke the universally free TV “We know that around 1.3 million over- licence.
licence for over 75s and instead only allow 75s are eligible for Pension Credit but do
those with Pension Credit the benefit. Nearly 70% sighted loneliness as their
not or cannot claim for the benefit. This
main concern if the licence were to
Mr Morgan said: means at least 650,000 of our poorest
be revoked and over 30% considered
pensioners facing an ominous new annual
“This was an opportunity to voice the themselves to have a mobility issue or
bill they simply can’t afford.
concerns of my constituents. Following disability that made getting out difficult.
my letter out to 10,000 people likely to The Governmernt has not taken this into
What this suggests is that Portsmouth
be affected, I have had a steady stream account and now those with the least
people, especially those facing mobility
of correspondence – including heart are set to lose the most. I have urged the
issues and loneliness, are very concerned.
wrenching accounts of the loneliness and Minister today to be bold and stand up
isolation that will ensue after the free for hardworking-pensioners by halting the The Government has made a serious
licence has been removed. implementation of this regressive policy misjudgement.”
change.”
I owe it to my constituents to make sure This is not the first time that the
that the Minister responsible for these Another key message conveyed by the Portsmouth MP has tried to put pressure
on the Governmernt to maintain the
free TV licence for over 75s. To date,
he has written to the PM, asked the
Minister responsible, met with Age UK
and Portsmouth Pensioners Association,
submitted a string of written questions
and sent out 10,000 letters to residents.
On whether he will continue to campaign,
Stephen Morgan said:
“The battle against loneliness and
isolation will go on. I will continue to raise
this matter both in Parliament and in the
constituency to ensure that those who are
affected by these cruel, callous changes
have a voice.
The Government has the power to make
these changes, we have responsibility to
show them the pain they are causing.”
page 10 | Autumn 2019 PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55
IN OUR RETIREMENT premises in Cosham, North End, Fratton and
Southsea.
So here is my guide to achieving a good
retirement….
AND WHY? Standing back from the everyday sights of Play your part in improving the public
Some people never retire – through choice retirement living, what can be suggested as realm, making our environment better
or necessity. And some women have to overall patterns of activity? First, I suggest for all
had to postpone their retirement plans retirees/pensioners can be divided into two
(WASPI campaign} But a majority of us groups – ‘REMAINERS’ and ‘LEAVERS’. And Open yourself to new ideas and
find ourselves leaving a lifetime of paid this is nothing to do with Brexit, so don’t challenges – as well as looking back to
work. It can be a challenge to cope with throw down your copy of Pompey Pensioner good times and achievements from the
the demands – and opportunities - of not in disgust. My classification is based on a past
having a regular employment routine and duality of some people keeping up and Make the most of your skills and
more ‘time on our hands’. A lot depends continuing the skills they developed in their experience to help others locally,
on our domestic circumstances, health, paid employment, and others who make a nationally and internationally
income, gender, hobbies and, possibly, what clean break and turn to different options.
kinds of jobs we did in our working lives. Put yourself in other people’s shoes,
And there are ample examples of both.
take yourself out of your own trials and
Looking at the statistics of longevity in As far as ‘ LEAVERS’ are concerned I know
tribulations
Portsmouth, it is clear that most people of a former professional footballer who
can look forward to more than at least never goes to see a football match or even Enjoy precious times with family and
decade of active retirement, and then some watch one on TV. Though he does play golf. friends and pass on tactful advice to
more years when ill health constrains our A GP who has taken up painting and now the younger generation
activities. For some who live longer – and it exhibits regularly in local art galleries. A Yield gracefully to the changing world,
often women – there is a need to adapt to former surveyor who rides motorbikes and your declining capabilities and your
seek an enjoyable and purposeful later life. windsurfs. A former IBM executive who own mortality
We all have our own experiences, and that plays the saxophone, and another who
of our family and friends. My dad didn’t grows ferns. A London cabbie who now Alan Burnett
have a chance of any retirement, as a heavy restores derelict buildings and goes sailing,
smoker he died of cancer in his mid sixties. and a former professor of economics aged
78 who plays and writes about cricket.
A recent Saga Poll
On the other hand, my great aunt Elsie The Nation’s Most Inspiring Over 60’s put
had to retire early from teaching through As for’ ‘REMAINERS’, those who use their Richard Branson at the top for setting up
deafness, and lived to the age of 106… work time skills after retirement, there are an airline, opening a chain of records shops
she spent more than half of her life retired. former MPs, like lord Judd of Portsea, who and completing a world record flight across
She played the organ in her local church, still ply their political passions in the House the Pacific. He beat David Attenborough
grew flowers and vegetables, and took a of Lords, former music teachers who direct and the Queen in a poll of 2,000 people.
real interest in us as youngsters. We all choirs, army veterans who run charities He is one of three businessmen (ed!) in the
know people who have had their retirement for ex-servicemen and women, and Royal top ten along with Alan Sugar, James Dyson
cut short and also plenty of people our Navy personal who now use their skills with (now of Singapore!) and Stephen Hawking
age who make so much of their later lives the lifeboat movement. Many teachers (now dead)
– volunteering, developing new hobbies, visit schools to mentor kids who are 48% of people identified hard work as an
childminding, DIY tasks, writing and singing, struggling with their reading, and architects important and inspirational characteristic
walking, cycling and swimming, and who refurbish properties in Normandy. 40% of people identified dedication and
engaged in civic activities – like joining PPA! Electricians and decorators who help out via contribution to society
While there are plenty of websites and local Age UK services, and former municipal 18% identified creativity demonstrated
books advising us on how we retirees clerks who administer charity programmes . by the five actresses, Paul McCartney and
should spend our time, I have not found any I am a ‘remainer’, a professional geographer Stephen Fry who appeared in the poll
detailed study of who actually does what in who continues to make maps and take an Jeremy Corbyn got three times more votes
Portsmouth or elsewhere. Looking around interest in the environment. than Theresa May.
the city and observing the activities of
fellow pensioners it would appear that there 1. Richard Branson
What about you? 2. David Attenborough
is as much diversity in their lifestyles as Be that as it may, most of us work out our 3. The Queen
there is in their backgrounds and individual retirement diaries to suit ourselves and
4. Alan Sugar
5. Judy Dench
circumstances. I see some of my older changing circumstances. We may be full of 6. James Dyson
neighbours walking their dogs on Southsea good intentions …to de-clutter, learn to get 7. Helen Mirren
8. Stephen Hawking
Common; hear of groups of former to grips with the digital world, take plenty of 9. Julie Walters
colleagues/workmates meeting regularly exercise, eat sensibly, travel, spend quality 10. Paul McCartney
for a meal and/or drink and talking about 11. Billy Connolly
time with the family, volunteer, make the 12. Jeremy Corbyn
the ‘old days’; observe the steady stream of most of every day. Often a combination of 13. Maggie Smith
older patients at surgeries and in the waiting the above. Maybe we don’t always live up to
14. Joanna Lumley
15. Stephen Fry
areas at QA hospital; admire those who these aspirations and spend time watching 16. Sean Connery
participate in the busy programme of U3A; day time TV, drinking wine and not even 17. Michael Caine
18. Prince Phillip
and witness busy coffee shops and the early saying hello to our neighbours. 19. Mick Jagger
pints being consumed at Wetherspoons 20. Anthony HopkinsPompeyPensioner Issue No. 55 Autumn 2019 | page 11
Climate Change
some statistics to make us
pause for thought. Get Your Till Receipt!
• 8.1 trillion kilometres are expected Giving a customer their till receipt has
to be flown this year – the highest become less commonplace in some shops,
on record garages and smaller supermarkets in
• 986kg of CO2 is emitted on a the last year or two. ‘Do you want your
return flight from London to New receipt?’ appears to encourage customers
ECONOMICALLY York to refuse the offer and increasingly I find
that a till receipt is now not being offered.
INACTIVE? • 2% of global emissions are Yes, we all see these receipts pile up behind
accounted for by the aviation the counter, but the till receipt is proof of
The Intergenerational Fairness Committee sector – one of the world’s fastest
of the House of Lords has recently purchase and provides a range of consumer
growing polluters. protections.
suggested removing the Triple Lock on our
pensions, the winter heating allowance I now make a point of asking for receipts
and the free TV licences for over 75s. and have recently spotted and been
The latter has been imposed by the reimbursed for being overcharged £1.80
government on the BBC who are now when the item had wrongly been put
being vilified as the ‘bad boys’ for saying through the till twice. On another
they cannot fund it. occasion, I was not charged the special
offer price and was reimbursed by £1. In the
Iain Duncan Smith’s ‘think tank’ (The past, my till receipt has enabled me to take
Centre for Social Justice) has picked goods bought on board a ferry to Trading
up on the principles of the above cuts,
adding the idea of increasing the pension A cashless society? Standards for a successful prosecution and
The rise of the cashless society means reimbursement (there was no beer in the
age to 75 by 2035. Don’t fret if you’re a sealed cans which had all leaked in the car)
manual worker and just won’t have the millions of people will be disadvantaged
as a result. Banknotes and coins are a and reimbursement for a mouldy in date
physical ability to carry on…you’ll be malt loaf, for example. Most importantly, I
retrained in an alternative more suitable necessity for 8 million people struggling
with debt or living in rural communities. have benefited for several years from Coop
occupation. We OAP’s have been labelled 10% vouchers which have only ever been
‘Economically Inactive’. Cash use has halved in the past 10 years,
74% of people still use it for example, to issued with a receipt. Finally, the till receipt
Excuse me?!!!! give to charity, window cleaners are paid helps budgeting at home and is proof at
We save the government around in notes and coins in 85% of cases. the store’s exit that the goods are bought
£600,000 in childcare, enabling the The Access to Cash study highlighted a and not stolen.
younger generation to return to work and number of problems: Karen
probably the same, if not more, in the • There could be difficulties in rural
voluntary sector; The League of Friends, communities where alternative ways to
the Red Cross, umpteen charity shops, pay will be affected by poor broadband
Community Centres and goodness knows • Those with physical or mental health
how many other projects. problems might find it hard to use digital Striving to reflect the views
’Don’t know how I had the time to go to services and aspirations of the
work’ is a well-known adage - • They may not have a bank account Portsmouth Pensioners’
Well if the Centre for Social Justice have Levels of debt might rise as budgeting is
often easier with cash Association and the 36,000
their way you may well find out, we will
be found jobs or retrained to make us • There may be a loss of independence for seniors of Portsmouth
‘Economically Active ‘once more! those who use cash as a lifeline when in Covering the issues that
difficult or abusive relationships
Maxine Bonner
• There are higher prices for those are
are vital to all Pompey
PP member unable to benefit from online service or Pensioners.
direct debits and this will increase.page 12 | Autumn 2019 PompeyPensioner Issue No. 55
My Life, My Death in circumstances where a diagnosis of a
life-limiting condition has been made.
The advantage of an LPA over an Advance
Decision, is the extent of its application
Faye Evans, Partner at Churchers LLP A full discussion can then be had with and the level of flexibility it affords.
If you no longer have the ability to make the medical practitioner/advisor as to Advance Decisions are specific to the
or communicate your own decisions, who potential treatment, outcomes and treatments, conditions and circumstances
decides what is in your best interests? decisions that you wish to make. In such specified within them. An LPA covers
Depending on circumstances, there may circumstances it is far more likely that the every decision that pertains to your own
be many voices in the mix: family, medical Advance Decision will then be found to be body. When choosing an Attorney, you
professionals, social services, but what applicable. can fully discuss your wishes, concerns,
happens if they don’t all agree? How do Advance Statement likes and dislikes. Your Attorney is then
you make your voice heard? able to interpret your views and your
An Advance Statement is a document feelings of how you would wish to
There are two types of legal document that can accompany an Advance live your life, e.g. what you would feel
which individuals can put in place to Decision. It is not legally binding but it is comfortable/uncomfortable with, what
address this issue: informative to those who may be making you would consider a good quality of life
1. Advance Decision (otherwise known as best-interest decisions on your behalf. etc. and they then make decisions based
Living Will); and Whereas an Advance Decision is specific upon this. Attorneys acting under an
to treatment which you may or may not LPA are able to make decisions in a more
2. Lasting Power of Attorney for Health
wish to receive, an Advance Statement is nuanced way than can be achieved by an
and Welfare.
more descriptive as to your likes, dislikes, Advance Decision.
Advance Decision (Living Will) how you wish to be cared for and your
To put an Advance Decision in place you reasoning behind the decisions made in You should choose your Attorney
must be over 18 and have capacity (i.e. your Advance Decision. If considering an carefully. Ideally it should be somebody
you understand the decisions being made Advance Statement, it is wise to consult who knows you well and with whom
and the consequences of them). The a Solicitor and/or medical practitioner to you feel comfortable discussing personal
document must be in writing, signed and ensure that you cover all necessary points. matters. You should have a full and frank
witnessed, and (if it contains a refusal of discussion with them as to what your
Lasting Power of Attorney for Health wishes are. The LPA can be used once it is
life-sustaining treatment), it must state and Welfare (‘LPA’)
that it will still apply even if your life is at fully signed and registered at the Office
Your family/next of kin/friends do not of the Public Guardian (this incurs a court
risk or shortened as a result of refusing
have legal authority to make decisions fee, currently £82.00) but only if you have
treatment.
with regard to your health and welfare, lost the ability to make such decisions
You do not need a Solicitor to make an whether medical or care related. Whilst yourself.
Advance Decision, however, it is always health professionals will usually ask
prudent to discuss this with a Solicitor A Lasting Power of Attorney for Health
family members for their opinions, these and Welfare can be put in place alongside
and seek their involvement to ensure will not necessarily be followed. The only
that you are fully informed and that a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property
way to ensure that another individual has and Financial Affairs to ensure Attorneys
your reasons for making the decisions the legal right to make decisions on your
are properly recorded. It should also be are empowered to deal with all aspects of
behalf is to appoint them under a Lasting your affairs if you are no longer able to.
remembered that the medical treatments Power of Attorney (‘LPA’).
being addressed in Advance Decisions What if I have both?
An LPA can be put in place by anyone
can be complex; it is advisable to discuss It is possible to have both documents
who has capacity and is over 18. LPAs can
this with a medical professional in order in place, however, where there is an
be put in place online or by contacting a
to ensure that your understanding of overlap the most recent document will
specialist Solicitor. There are a number of
the consequences of your decisions are be followed. If you appoint an Attorney
options contained within the document
accurate. under an LPA and then put an Advance
itself as well as a number of additional
An Advance Decision will only be legally clauses which can be included depending Decision in place, provided the treatment
binding if it is applicable i.e. you have upon your circumstances and these in question falls within the perimeter of
lost capacity to make a decision about have legal ramifications. It is therefore the Advance Decision the Attorney will
medical treatment and your Advance advisable to seek advice from a Solicitor not be able to overrule it. If the treatment
Decision covers the circumstances in when putting an LPA in place to ensure or decision in question is not covered
which you find yourself as well as the that it is properly tailored to your needs. in the Advance Decision, your Attorney
treatment being considered. There must would be able to make the decision on
An LPA allows you to choose who makes your behalf.
be no reason to think you have changed
decisions about your health and welfare if
your mind since making your Advance If you have an Advance Decision in
you are unable to. You may choose one or
Decision. It is important that you review place and subsequently appoint an
more individuals as your ‘Attorney(s)’ and
your Advance Decision regularly and Attorney under an LPA, the LPA will take
the powers given can be wide-reaching.
keep a record that you have done so. It is precedence.
You can include a power for your Attorney
important that the appropriate people are
to give or refuse consent to life-sustaining It should be remembered that decisions
made aware that you have an Advance
treatment. All decisions the Attorney concerning life-sustaining treatment do
Decision in place: GP, friends, family etc.
makes under the LPA must be in your best not extend to euthanasia which remains
An Advance Decision is most appropriate interests. unlawful in England at this time.You can also read
