SUGGESTED LETTER FOR USE BY THE DISADVANTAGED
Dear Sir
I am an old age pensioner who has lived here for many years. I am not destitute but can see the cost of everything going up and my standard of living falling week by week. I have a little savings which I thought would see me through - but these are having to be increasingly used to meet my general living expenses.
I do not receive any pension supplement or supplementary benefit - I see my pensioner friends, although some of whom are struggling, find that the fifty per cent additional pension payment by way of the generous Isle of Man pension supplement of considerable assistance in removing some of their worries.
Those of us who have been careful during our working lives, have endured the hardship of the wartime years and the economic problems that followed it both here and in the UK, and have contributed and are continuing to contribute to the present healthy Manx economy, merit rather better treatment than is currently being provided by (a narrow financially focussed) DHSS.
The Manx Government needs to answer this very simple social question.
Is it fair that a small section (less than 20% of the old age pensioner population) consisting of long time permanent residents should be so discriminated against? Are we a member of Manx society and nation or are we not?
The original legislation, which was not universally supported by all members was passed by a previous administration.
In the intervening years the details of its implementation, anomalies and economic effects are becoming increasingly apparent.
Is it not now time, whatever the DHSS Minister may advise, that this matter be revisited.
The hard economic facts as of June 2008.
Basic Old Age Pension £90.70 per week=£4,716.40 per year.
Basic Old Age Pension and Pension Supplement £136.05 per week=£7074.60 per year.
The difference is £45.35 a week or £2,358.20 per year.
Yours
A Pensioner