Pensioners and the budget

The council of the National Association of Pensioners considers the 2005 budget as a step for a solution of the structural deficit.

As other sections, pensioners have to make sacrifices. While it is accepted that these have to be borne by all, it is pertinent to mention the unhappy position of those pensioners whose pension has been frozen for years, except for the flat rate cost of living increase paid to pensioners.

The association is disappointed at the fact that declarations in favour of consultations have not been applied, where reasonable claims were made for pensioners.

It has been noted that the cost of living increase of Lm1.17c per week for pensioners will effectively be eroded, by more than a third, because of the surcharge on the rate of the water and electricity. This is apart from the added cost for the elderly, in consequence of the increase in the price of kerosene. The only source of satisfaction is that bus fares for pensioners are not being increased.