Scottish Pensioners' Forum
Scottish Parliament Election
Manifesto 2007
The Scottish Pensioners' Forum was set up in 1992 as an umbrella organisation for groups and individuals working and campaigning for a better deal for older people in respect of:
- Pensions
- Health/Care
- Housing
- Travel
We will continue to work for improvements in services to older people and campaign vigorously, for and with other organisations, in the fight for a decent basic state pension and an end to means testing.
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT IS ASKED TO ENSURE THAT:
PENSIONS/BENEFITS PAYMENTS
- Older people are supported by the Scottish Parliament in their fight for a decent state pension.
- Problems caused by post office closures including related transport problems are recognised
HEALTH/CARE
Care services for older people are properly funded and integrated.
Older people are allowed dignity when they are in care.
Age discrimination is eradicated in the Health Service.
Information is available on the monitoring of free personal care.
Information is available to allow older people to make choices about care, with advocacy support if necessary.
TRAVEL
- The concessionary travel scheme is extended throughout Scotland to include rail and ferry travel.
EDUCATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Lifelong learning is for life and free and informal education is provided for older people.
Free use of public service leisure facilities is available to older people throughout Scotland.
HOUSING
Adequate housing is available, suitable to meet an older person's needs, with ready access to grants and subsidies.
Council Tax charges should be reduced for older people.
Alarms are provided on the basis of need and not cost.
ENVIRONMENT
Recycling of waste is encouraged bearing in mind problems of older people.
Water charges take account of people's ability to pay.
PARTICIPATION
- Older people have the right to paticipate in bodies which deal with their concerns and to have their views taken into account.