Why pensioners fear the coming cuts

Published: 23 December, 2010

• THE leaked council officers’ report on budget “cuts” has really alarmed pensioners (Cuts hit-list: how the axe could fall, December 10). 

They do not understand – why should they? – that the report is a standard exercise the council does every year. It does basically lay out numerous financial options. Pensioners are extremely concerned in regard to where and how “cuts” will be applied.

What also causes some concern is the response from the council that it does not respond to a “leaked report”. Isn’t it about time the council woke up to the fact that the lack of response too often creates major political problems? 

The leaked report is written by council officers who are certainly not in a position to judge what is fair. That is why the Fairness Commission was set up. 

When will it report and to whom? 

Whether the commission report acknowledges pensioners’ poverty and social exclusion needs to be made public. Any “cuts” agreed will be effective for the next four years. 

Any failure by the council and the Fairness Commission to address pensioners’ issues and concerns in the 2011 budget will destroy their credibility. 

JOHN WORKER 
Secretary, Islington Pensioners Forum