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Originally Posted by Alice
Where did I "slag off" anyone? If you read it properly you'll realise the point I was trying to make was that none of the pensioners get a decent amount...AND... that even those who can manage to save a few extra quid by doing without over the years(something that was very much encouraged when the older generation was growing up) would get a double whammy by getting even less!
If the state pension was paid at a reasonable level and there was no means testing to get it, everyone would get a fair deal. No one deserves the indignity of being means tested just to get their pension.
It's not a "free lunch". Those who can have paid for it already through their tax and NI contributions and those who can't I am happy to assist with my own.
PS: Not all anti-Blairites are Tory. You ass.u.me too much!
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I think Labour should do more about pensions and means testing is not the ideal solution, however there are more pensioners than workers can pay for. But to pay for the ideal means taxes up and you make a big point against that. Running the govt isnt easy with so many expectations.
Its obvious that Labour recognises the problem but can't afford the ideal solution and you end up with means testing and allowances which old folk don't particularly like. All theses extras paid for by stealth taxes, as is the NHS funding. Its a catch 22.
You have to put in context which I am sure you do, the Conservatives history of cutting pensions through dodgy indexation.
However those that have paid just the basic [and SERPS has been around since the early 70s & Barabara Castle] could be criticised for not putting anything away and saving and therefore why should they deserve anything at all?
As Michael Howard said, 'I dont mind a proper debate' and I would add "and I can accept well thought out arguments', not neccessarily agree entirely, but accept none the less.