Inaugural meeting of senior citizen’s forum
North Cornwall's MP, Dan Rogerson, addressed their inaugural meeting at the Methodist Hall in Delabole, highlighting the changes he wants to bring about for older people. He outlined his party's plans to reduce means testing, increase the basic state pension and scrap council tax.
Forum members also quizzed the local MP about the measures he'd take to increase the frequency and reliability of rural bus services.
Commenting, afterwards, Mr Rogerson said:
"There's a desperate need to improve public transport in our area. We could do that by giving councils the power to franchise bus routes, so that the right to run lucrative services is contingent on an obligation to run less profitable ones.
"Meanwhile, as everyone across the country feels the pinch of impending recession, we have to make sure pensioners don't have to choose between heating and eating, as they did so often under the last Conservative Government.
"We should increase the basic pension and make entitlement to it dependent on citizenship not contributions. Far too many older women, who took time out of work to raise their families, now suffer because they didn't make National Insurance contributions during that period.
"Of course everyone in the room was outraged by the Council Tax, which has doubled in the last ten years. It's time we scrapped it altogether in favour of a fair tax based on the ability to pay, not the value of your house in 1991."
Branch Chair, Trudy Mason added:
"It was a great privilege to have Mr Dan Rogerson attend our inaugural AGM. During his address it was clear that he has an in-depth understanding of, and concern for, the needs of the elderly population of this area, particularly the problems in relation to transport for medical and hospital treatment. We are delighted to have his assurance that he will continue to give us his support."
Notes to Editors:
1. Anyone interested in getting involved in the forum should contact Trudy Mason on 01840 211 704 or email her on masontregoodwell@btinternet.com
