Pensioners 'raw deal' to be highlighted by Sheffield Lib Dems

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 1st Apr 2006

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council

Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council are set to move a proposal at next weeks council meeting that highlights the 'raw deal' pensioners in Sheffield are receiving. Lib Dems are calling for pensioners issues to be taken seriously by both the Government and the local council.

The motion, which will be discussed at the April 5th council meeting, expresses support for pensioner groups campaigning against numerous issues such as council tax, poor bus provision and the closure of Post Offices.

Like many pensioners across Sheffield, Lib Dems are particularly angry at the news that there will be no repeat £200 council tax rebate for pensioners. Lib Dems are renewing their calls for council tax to be scrapped and replaced by a system based on the ability to pay.

Liberal Democrats also highlight recent decisions by the Labour controlled council that have added to pensioners difficulties over the last few months. Only recently the council increased home care charges by a staggering 165%, just a few weeks before that they imposed a 70% increase to energy bills for tenants using the councils district heating system.

If the motion is accepted a copy will be sent to all Sheffield MP's, local pensioner and older peoples groups, and Government ministers.

Councillor Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Sheffield, said: -

"Many people in Sheffield, but particularly pensioners, are facing intolerable financial pressures and unacceptable social hardship brought about by this government and local councils polices"

"Increases in council tax, poor bus provision and post office closures are all issues which are leading to a poorer quality of life for some of our older citizens. I believe pensioners are being neglected and it's about time we bring their issues to the forefront of debate"

"Many pensioners in Sheffield will be facing a desperate financial situation this year. For example, an elderly council taxpayer receiving home care from the council can expect to be hundreds of pounds worse off. They will have to face a 4.6% increase to council tax, no £200 council tax rebate and a 165% increase to home care charges from the council"

"I believe pensioners deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, but this just isn't happening at the moment. I hope that the rest of council can get behind our proposal and send a strong message to Government that urgent action is needed. As a council we shouldn't be afraid to stand up to the Government and start working for pensioners, not against them"