Saga issues ‘grey manifesto’ for older people
Getting older people on the housing ladder, maintaining benefits for the elderly and driving up the quality of care are some of the top concerns among the nation’s 22 million people aged 50 and over.
In the 14-page A Manifesto for the Over 50s, Saga has claimed that knowing what those aged more than 50 want and acting on it could secure the key to No 10 Downing Street.
Paul Green, director of communications for Saga, said: “Listening to their life experience and securing their 22 million votes will be key to any party winning the next election.”
He said this was no idle threat, as the poll on which the manifesto is based showed 89 per cent of over 65s intended to vote at the general election compared to only 52 per cent of those aged 18 to 24.
According to the Manifesto, 11,000 Saga members were asked what their policy demands would be.
Respondents highlighted 11 key requests in particular, the Manifesto said, with one of the top demands being for any future State pension increases to be based on an index of ‘real’ pensioner costs rather than the more general consumer price index.
Other proposals included stamp duty breaks to encourage people over 65 to free up accommodation for those starting on the housing ladder, the maintenance of current pensioner benefits such as Winter Fuel Allowance, and action to drive higher quality standards in care and support for family carers.
Top Five Manifesto Points |
An early chance to vote on an in/out European referendum. Stamp duty breaks to encourage people over 65 to rightsize. Reform inheritance tax to exclude the family home or link future tax-free allowances to house price inflation. Future pension increases based on an index of ‘real’ pensioner costs of living. Interest to be paid gross on pensioners’ savings. Source: Saga |
Adviser view
Dennis Hall, IFA for London-based Yellowtail Financial Planning, said: “Politicians will read the Manifesto, but some of the points do not seem fair when considering the population as a whole. For instance, the pension rises just mean that younger people will have to pick up the tab in tax.
“I agree about the changes to stamp duty to help older people to trade down and free up the housing market. But do we really want our politicians to be susceptible to populist demands? I do not think a lot of this would be fair to younger people – and it will just encourage alienation among them.”
