Pensioners against 'new or higher burdens'

A resolution by the National Association of Pensioners yesterday urged the government to refrain from introducing measures that might result in new or higher burdens on pensioners and the elderly.

The pensioners, meeting at the association's annual general meeting, made it clear that they would continue insisting on preserving existing rights.

The resolution stressed that welfare and pensions reform was acceptable only to the extent that it promoted social justice and solidarity, and fostered inter-generational cohesion. It should not be an exercise in accounting resorted to because of ill-defined sustainability.

A copy of the resolution is to be sent to the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader and the European Older People's Platform, among others.

It was drawn up in the light of the proposals made by the government's obligation to ensure a stable social system and the World Bank report on pensions.

Addressing those present, association president Albert Tabone spoke about the need for change and adaptation to survive and prosper.

What was at stake was not the need for change but the speed at which it was implemented. However, cushioning of the weak and the needy was of the essence, he said.

He pointed out that the government's intentions on pensions and welfare reform did not make pleasant reading. Among the suggestions, he said, was a one per cent deduction from pensions to go towards a contribution for health and hospitalisation.

"The association deemed, and still deems, this to be unacceptable," Mr Tabone said.

The point still needs to be made that social justice calls for great care in pension and welfare reforms - he added - and the World Bank report on pensions circulated to members earlier this year "doesn't show much of this".