HOME CARE CRISIS “AS BIG AS A CITY” ”: MORE SHAMEFUL AND SHOCKING EVIDENCE

DR ROS ALTMANN

@SagaRosAltmann

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

November 23, 2011.

HOME CARE CRISIS “AS BIG AS A CITY” ”: MORE SHAMEFUL AND SHOCKING EVIDENCE SHOWS REAL IMPACT OF CARE CUTS.

RADICAL REFORM IS LONG OVERDUE

The government is failing to act to head off a home care crisis “as big as a city” despite constant and overwhelming evidence from an avalanche of reports.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission and Care Quality Commission have highlighted again the poor standards of social care suffered by many older people – primarily caused by huge, and growing, shortfalls in local authority care budgets.

“Of course, there is wonderful care out there, but as councils keep cutting care budgets, standards can only get worse: hardly a week goes by without another damning report into the treatment of the elderly and vulnerable in this country. But so far, nothing has actually been done to address the reality of the day-to-day indignities many older people endure,” said Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of over-50s organisation Saga.

“Today's report, from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, says that 250,000 older people – the equivalent of the population of a city the size of Derby or Southampton - are receiving poor or very poor standards of home care including verbal and physical abuse, near-cursory 15-minute ‘task-ticking’ visits– there should be a statutory minimum way higher than that - and little or no help in eating and drinking.

“But as the EHRC points out, the figure may actually be higher because many more may well be too frightened to complain. What’s more, that’s just home care: one element of a social care system which is becoming deluged as we live longer lives.

“The government knows about these issues – how can they not, as they are continually presented with evidence of a care system in crisis? Predictable pre-packaged Ministerial responses expressing outrage and pledging action are not enough.

“Let me ask this: when was the last time we saw any decisive action – as opposed to talk?

“Of course, we welcome the CQC’s proposed home care inspection plans, as well as any move which will help improve the quality and consistency of care – and consequently the quality of life – for our older generations. But the CQC has stopped inspecting the local authority commissioners themselves. If we do not tackle the root cause of the problem - inadequate resources for care - how can we expect decent care?

“We need to properly fund our care system and revere it as much as we do the NHS. We need a consistent regulatory and monitoring system that promotes and encourages best practice, not inconsistent and unprepared knee-jerk responses.

“The question needs to be asked just who monitors the local authority commissioners? They are putting pressure on care providers to offer the lowest priced possible care - and it should be obvious that 15 minute visits make it impossible to deliver adequate care. How do we get health and homecare to work in tandem, and get people back in their own home where they want to be and where care is most cost effective?

“It is vital that we drive the retention of some excellent people who do a tremendous job - the vast silent majority who never get a mention in dispatches. We need to promote care as a career and a profession, and highlight the requirement for best practice, and applaud it where we see it.”

Ends

For further information:

Saga Press Office
01303 771529.

www.saga.co.uk

Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800

HSBC’S DECISION TO CLOSE CARE ADVICE BUSINESS PROVIDES A FURTHER CHALLENGE TO THE DILNOT COMMISSION.

SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

July 6, 2011.

HSBC’S DECISION TO CLOSE CARE ADVICE BUSINESS PROVIDES A FURTHER CHALLENGE TO THE DILNOT COMMISSION.

Commenting on HSBC’s decision to close their long term care advice division in July 2011, Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of over-50s group Saga said:

 “The timing of HSBC’s decision to withdraw their long term care advice service from the market is a real disappointment, particularly as the Dilnot Commission has highlighted the desperate need for elderly people and their families to receive comprehensive information and advice on the options of paying for long term care,” said Dr Altmann.

“Without this specialist advice there is a very real danger that people will resort to running down, if not depleting their assets to pay care home fees, when there are often alternatives available. 

“Whilst there are other organisations in addition to Saga still offering this complex advice service, HSBC’s decision further highlights the challenge the Dilnot Commission faces when trying to encourage the financial services industry to provide creative products and support in this area.  

“Whilst the government considers its response to the Commission’s recommendations, there are already approximately 150,000* self-funded residents in care, a figure that is only expected to grow. For most people, care is a once-in-a-lifetime matter and people need to know that specialist advice on the current care funding choices is available. HSBC’s decision means there are now fewer places to turn to get such in-depth advice.

“Time is a luxury that many of these families simply don’t have so we urge the government to urgently put in place the working groups recommended in the Dilnot report so that real reform can happen.  Whilst this may not help many of the families with loved ones already in receipt of care, it can give some security and certainty to those with older relatives who may require care in the future. ”

Saga offers a free guide to funding care “Making Sense of Paying for Care” which can be obtained by calling 0800 056 6101 or visiting saga.co.uk/ltc

Ends

Editors notes: * Source Laing & Buisson – Care of Elderly People Market Survey 2010-2011 - number of self-funders in care 2009

For further information please contact the Saga Press Office on 01303 771529.

SAGA COMMENTS ON WHICH? REPORT EXPOSING INSURERS' “AGEIST” ATTITUDES.

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

May 22, 2011.

SAGA COMMENTS ON WHICH? REPORT EXPOSING INSURERS' “AGEIST” ATTITUDES.

 TRAVEL INSURANCE MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR OLDER PEOPLE TO ENJOY TRAVELLING AT ANY AGE

- SAGA NEVER USES AGE AS A BARRIER TO INSURANCE.

Responding to a Which? report which said pensioners face a struggle to get travel insurance - with 25% of insurers refusing to cover people who are over 65 - Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of over-50s lifestyle group Saga, said:

“We believe the over 65s should not be denied travel insurance on the grounds of their age. Such ageist attitudes are often a product of sheer ignorance. Saga knows that older people have never been more adventurous, never been fitter, and are no more or less likely to make an insurance claim than somebody half their age. Our customers enjoy adventurous holidays in good health and with the peace of mind of insurance cover too.

“What makes 25% of insurers believe that at 64 years of age somebody is a reasonable insurance risk, and at 65 they’re uninsurable? If insurers are refusing to cover the over 65s, they are missing a business opportunity. Saga is happy to provide travel insurance, without using age as a barrier, and our customers can enjoy great cover and peace of mind for their travel, at all ages.

“We routinely provide cover for people in their 80s and 90s, and we didn’t hesitate to provide cover for a mature and adventurous lady who went to Italy to celebrate her 100th birthday."

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

Twitter @SagaRosAltmann

Twitter @Press_Relations

MANY “RESENTFUL” UNDER-24S WOULDN’T HAVE WORK WITHOUT OLDER COLLEAGUES.

EMMA SOAMES

SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 19, 2011.

MANY “RESENTFUL” UNDER-24S WOULDN’T HAVE WORK WITHOUT OLDER COLLEAGUES.

Commenting on research* by care provider Anchor that revealed more than 40% of 18-24s resented older people staying in work, Emma Soames, Editor-at-Large of Saga Magazine and over-50s champion, said:

“Young people perhaps underestimate the contribution of older people in the workplace. People notice fuss or flurries of activity around workplace decision-making, usually involving the less-experienced who will often ultimately ask an older person for advice anyway.

“But older people have the life and work experience to make business or work decisions more calmly, and consequently faster, simply because they’ve been there before.

“It’s therefore ironic that some of the most important workplace decisions, quietly and decisively made by older people at all levels, have and do create and maintain jobs for the younger generations.”

* Link to original story.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.saga.co.uk

WAITING FOR GOD – AND ANDREW LANSLEY, TOO; HEALTH BILL ‘PAUSE’ QUESTIONED.

EMMA SOAMES

SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 18, 2011.

WAITING FOR GOD – AND ANDREW LANSLEY, TOO; HEALTH BILL ‘PAUSE’ QUESTIONED.

Prime Minister David Cameron says that the Government is taking advantage of the pause to consider “real changes” to the Health and Social Care Bill, but over-50s organisation Saga says he needs look no further than recent attitudinal research that makes it crystal clear as to what is required.

“Older people relying on the NHS are waiting for both God and Andrew Lansley while this ‘pause’ is going on; unfortunately only one is certain,” said Emma Soames, Editor-at-Large of Saga Magazine.  

“We surveyed 12,939 over-50s, and it’s clear that over-50s support radical reforms of the NHS.

“More than half (59%) of the twelve-thousand-plus over-50s surveyed would be happier if GPs would, in future, have more control over their long-term treatment and healthcare requirements.  This figure increases to 66% among the over-70s, who were most supportive of the changes.  

"A third (33%) of respondents to the Saga Populus poll thought that GPs would do better at finding them the best NHS treatment than the existing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs).  

"While listening is good, and taking time to carefully consider such radical change is sensible, the government  shouldn't permit vested interests to derail the reforms, which aim to put patients and GPs at the heart of the new NHS.

"Older people have great faith in their GPs' commitment and ability to get the best possible health outcomes for them from the NHS. This principle should not be lost during this pause for further consultation,” said Emma Soames.  

"There is obviously room for a broader role for health professionals other than just GPs. Integration of medical and social care is very important for future success."

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.saga.co.uk

SAGA: WHO CARES MOST FOR OLDIES - OVER-50S OR UNDER-21S?

EMMA SOAMES

SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 18, 2011.

WHO CARES MOST FOR OLDIES – OVER-50S OR UNDER-21S?

A confusing picture has emerged over who cares more for the older generations – over-50s or under-21s.

The confusion arises from Aviva’s latest Real Retirement Report which states under-21s would put more cash into caring for elderly relatives – if they could afford it – but over-50s organisation Saga says that most familial carers are women over 50 who will find a way of paying.

“It’s a little bit apples and bananas, but while Aviva says under-21s would give up a greater proportion of their income to finance their older relatives, our research says something very different,” said Emma Soames, Editor-at-Large of Saga Magazine.  

"The Aviva report suggests that older people are happy to pass off the burden of supporting their elderly relatives, and that the young are the real philanthropic generation.  

“But, in stark contrast, our experience shows that most familial carers are women over the age of 50.  So whilst they are realistic about not being able to support their elderly relatives financially, they dig deep on both their physical and emotional reserves to provide the one-to-one care the most vulnerable in our society really need.

“The report, however, does highlight the potential for families to 'club' together to save for future care needs for the family as a whole, a point that Saga raised in its submission of evidence to the Dilnot Commission on Care Funding.

“This makes it clear that clubbing together, or wider incentives to encourage saving for care, should be a key strand in any recommendations arising from Dilnot.”

  
Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.saga.co.uk

RE-OPENING OF CHEQUE ABOLITION INQUIRY IS PRICELESS, SAYS SAGA.

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

SAGA SOUNDBITE

April 14, 2011.

RE-OPENING OF CHEQUE ABOLITION INQUIRY IS PRICELESS, SAYS SAGA.

Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga, commenting on the Treasury Select Committee’s decision to re-open its inquiry into the abolition of cheques, said:

"We warmly welcome the decision by the Treasury Select Committee to reopen its inquiry into the abolition of cheques.  This will be very popular with older people, many of whom have written to us expressing their concerns that they will not be able to manage without cheques. 

“Many of the over-50s find the convenience of writing cheques is very important to them for managing and organising their finances and keeping track of their dwindling pensions and savings income.

“Our recent survey of 13,000 over-50s found that two thirds of respondents (67%) fundamentally disagreed with the decision to withdraw cheques, and one in ten believed that they would not be able to pay some bills if cheques were withdrawn. 

“The most vulnerable of older people will often have no internet access and, if they are hard of hearing, may not be able to manage using telephone services either.  Therefore this decision to reopen the inquiry is a victory for common sense and the voice of older consumers."

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.saga.co.uk

SAGA PUBLISHES GUIDES TO WORKING LIFE AFTER THE DEFAULT RETIREMENT AGE (DRA) OFFICIALLY ENDS

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 11, 2011.

SAGA PUBLISHES GUIDES TO WORKING LIFE AFTER THE DEFAULT RETIREMENT AGE (DRA) OFFICIALLY ENDS – ONE FOR EMPLOYERS, ONE FOR EMPLOYEES.

Video

To download a copy of the Rethinking Retirement guide for Employees please click here.

To download a copy of the Rethinking Retirement guide for Employers please click here.

The now defunct default retirement age has for generations signalled a dead end for older people – but now the challenge is for employers and wannabe-longer-workers is tackling the new lease of life leant by the new rules.

One of the country’s biggest and most experienced over-50s lifestyle groups, Saga, has more appreciation than most about what faces both employees and employers, and has produced online guides aimed at helping both groups.

“It’s not just a moral responsibility to let people work as long as they want, it’s now also a legal responsibility – but both employers and employees may well find the first steps into the unknown to be a bit daunting – so we’ve teamed up with The Age and Employment Network and brought to bear our collective experience to do what we can to help make this an easier cultural transition,” said Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga.

“The end of the default retirement age (DRA) has arrived – and from now on, employers can no longer sack workers just for being 65. At a time when people are living longer and the country faces unprecedented economic challenges, this is only the first step towards rethinking retirement. The UK must nurture a ‘personalised retirement’ culture if the country is to cater for its ageing population,” said Dr Ros Altmann.

“Many people want to work beyond retirement age, saying it keeps their mind alert and that they want to ensure continued income in later life.

“To make sure we do this to the benefit of UK workers, we need to alter our approach and mindset to retirement. This culture change means that the Government must encourage employers to make retirement a process, rather than an event.”

Saga has launched two guides outlining what employers and employees need to think about in this new workplace world.

The guides coincide with the end of the DRA, a move that Saga has warmly welcomed, knowing that many older workers would prefer to continue working than be forced to retire at an arbitrary age.

Dr Ros Altmann said: “We are delighted that the Government abolished the default retirement age. It should have been done years ago. We have been very concerned to see recent cases of employers outrageously forcing their workers in to retirement before the new regime sets in – this is a sheer disgrace.

“For both employers and employees wondering what opportunities and challenges will arise from now on, we hope our Saga Guides to Rethinking Retirement will prove very useful reading.

“We encourage any workers who have been forced to retire from their jobs to look at our guides and to consider their options. There are many alternatives for part time and flexible work open to people over 65 and we encourage people not to give up.”

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.saga.co.uk

OVER-50S ARE GRUMPY, UNFRIENDLY AND “PAST IT”? NOT SO, SAY THE WHIPPERSNAPPERS.

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 10, 2011.

OVER-50S ARE GRUMPY, UNFRIENDLY AND “PAST IT”? NOT SO, SAY THE WHIPPERSNAPPERS.

Dr Ros Altmann video

Oldies’ perceptions that younger people pigeonhole them as grumpy, unfriendly and “past it” are misplaced, according to independent research commissioned by over-50s lifestyle group Saga.

The research compares the perceptions 18-24s have of over-50s with what older people believe younger people think.

“The overall message is that perhaps crossing the boundary to 50 is nowhere near as life-changing as myth, Grumpy Old Men and Victor Meldrew would have it,” said Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga.

“Around 67% of over-50s believe 18-24s perceive them as ‘past it’, but the reality is that just 18% of 18-24s actually have that perception. And while only 11% of over-50s think younger people perceive them as friendly, the reality is that around 29% of 18-24s do actually think older people are indeed friendly.

“We’ve decided that all this is becoming such an issue we’re putting up a £10,000 reward for the video that best dispels the ’50-is-old’ myth.

“There are more myths to be shattered too: just 17% of over-50s think 18-24s consider them knowledgeable; however, the truth is that 42% of 18-24s perceive oldies as being great fonts of knowledge.

“Perhaps understandably, 18-24s are largely unenthusiastic about turning 50, with 39% of younger adults saying 50 seems old, but only 8% of over-50s agreeing once they reach and pass that milestone. 60% of over-50s consider 50 to be ‘just another birthday’, while only 16% of younger people dismiss it in the same way.”

The video competition is open to anybody over the age of 16 who lives or studies in the UK.  For example, you may be younger than 50:  As you think about the future, what do you hope life will be like when you turn 50?  What are you looking forward to?  You may be older than 50:  in a similar way, put yourself in the shoes of someone around 25 today, and think about their world when they will be 50.  

Video submissions: Full details on http://www.saga.co.uk/being50

The research was conducted by YouGov for Saga, sampling 1,148 UK adults on February 22 and 23, 2011.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.saga.co.uk

Saga urges Government not to backtrack too far on health reforms

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

April 6, 2011.

Saga urges Government not to backtrack too far on health reforms 

'U'-turn on health reforms may not please over 50s 

As the government begins its 'listening exercise' on its Health Reform proposals, a Saga survey shows that over 50s support radical reforms of the NHS.   

More than half (59%) of the 12,939 over 50s surveyed would be happier if GPs will, in future, have more control over their long term treatment and healthcare requirements.  This figure increases to 66% amongst the over 70s, who were most supportive of the changes.  A third (33%) of respondents to the Saga Populus poll, thought that GP would do better at finding them the best NHS treatment than the existing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs).   

“Whilst listening is good, and taking time to carefully consider such radical change is sensible, the government  shouldn't permit vested interests to derail the reforms, which aim to put patients and GPs at the heart of the new NHS. Older people have great faith in their GPs commitment and ability to get the best possible health outcomes for them from the NHS.  This principle should not be lost during this pause for further consultation,” said Dr. Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga.   

She added:  'There is obviously room for a broader role for health professionals other than just GPs.  Integration of medical and social care is very important for future success.'

-ENDS-

*The survey was conducted for Saga Private Medical Insurance through the Saga/Populus poll.  12,939 responses were received from Saga members aged 50 and over to its online poll between 11th and 18th February 2011 

Ros Altmann 
Director General 
Saga Group Ltd 
Mobile: 07545 504 513 
Web: www.saga.co.uk 

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

THE CHALLENGE: CHANGE PERCEPTIONS OF THE CLUB WITH 21 MILLION NOT-SO-GRUMPY NOR PAST-IT MEMBERS.

SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

March 22, 2011.

THE CHALLENGE: CHANGE PERCEPTIONS OF THE CLUB WITH 21 MILLION NOT-SO-GRUMPY NOR PAST-IT MEMBERS.

Video – Dr Ros Altmann.

Over-50s group Saga has laid down a challenge to change the perception of over-50s in 120 seconds.

There are 21 million members of the over-50s club in the UK, and the aim is to create influential videos about life at 50, and beyond, to strengthen understanding between generations and change how people think.

And the most persuasive video – regardless of whether shot on a mobile phone or a broadcast standard camera - could win a budding video-maker £10,000.

The video challenge follows independent research commissioned by Saga, which shows that oldies believe younger people pigeonhole them as grumpy and past-it - even though younger people often have far more positive attitudes to older people.

Saga's research compares what 18-24s actually think of over-50s with what older people believe younger people think, and it is clear that there is much misperception.

“We're looking for two minute videos on the theme of what it means to be 50, and which dramatically challenge perceptions,” said Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga. (Video: Dr Ros Alrmann)

“The overall messages through TV like Grumpy Old Men and Victor Meldrew do not accurately represent what younger people really think of being over 50.” said Dr Altmann. 

“67% of over-50s believe 18-24s perceive them as ‘past it’, but the reality is that only 18% of 18 -24s think that.

“Age groups do have very different views about reaching a 50th birthday and whether this makes you 'old'.

“39% of 18-24s say 50 seems old, but only 8% of over-50s agree.

60% of over-50s say 50 is ‘just another birthday’, compared to only 16% of younger people.”

The competition is open to anybody over the age of 16 who lives or studies in the UK.  For example, you may be younger than 50:  As you think about the future, what do you hope life will be like when you turn 50?  What are you looking forward to?  You may be older than 50:  in a similar way, put yourself in the shoes of someone around 25 today, and think about their world when they will be 50.  

Full details on http://www.saga.co.uk/being50

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.saga.co.uk

NOTES FOR EDITORS -

Note 1. The research was conducted by YouGov for Saga, sampling 1,148 UK adults on February 22 and 23, 2011.

Note 2. Regardless of the age of respondents to the survey – whether 18 or 80 – 58% considered younger people think 50 is old.

Note 3. 29% of 18-24s consider the over 50's are friendly, but only 11% of older people think the younger ones feel that.

Note 4.  42% of 18-24s perceive oldies as being knowledgeable, but  just 17% of over-50s think younger people consider them to be fonts of knowledge.

WOMEN’S STATE PENSION IMPLICATIONS EXPLAINED

DR ROS ALTMANN

DIRECTOR-GENERAL, SAGA

PRESS RELEASE

February 1, 2011.

WOMEN’S STATE PENSION IMPLICATIONS EXPLAINED.

Dr Ros Altmann, a leading economist and Director-General of over-50s organisation Saga, says that the UK’s 500,000 older women are on a collision course with Government pensions policymakers.

“Handbags at dawn will be as nothing once the penny drops with hundreds of thousands of UK women and it hits home that the retirement for which they have planned for decades in some cases is going to be a very different one – not just delayed, but also under-funded. And worse still, for the vast majority it is far too late to make contingencies,” said Dr Altmann. (Video 1)

“Across the country I’m hearing from women who are suffering that sudden sickening realisation that their destiny in retirement is not in their own hands – this is not about luxury retirement villas, this is about affording the basics. And they can do absolutely nothing about it.

“Proposals to increase the state pension age for women to 66 by 2020 seem to have unfair and disproportionate consequences for a significant number of women already past their mid-50s who have no time to make up for the lost pension income they have been expecting.  (Video 2)

“Around 500,000 women already over 55 will see their pension age rising by more than one year – and that is on top of increases of three or four years that they were required to accept in the 1995 Pensions Act.  They were assured by the new Government last year, in its Coalition Agreement, that women's pension age would not rise again before 2020 - but those assurances have been broken.

“As part of the measures to cut Government spending, the coalition announced that women's state pension age – which is already being increased from 60 - will start to rise even faster to reach age 66 by 2020.

“This means that between 2010 and 2020, women's pension age will increase by six years, while men's pension age will be raised by just one year. These new extra increases for women start from 2016, but for men the increase is just one year and only starts from 2018.

“These changes were not mentioned before the election and, indeed, the Coalition Agreement stated that women's state pension age would not rise further before 2020.

“Hundreds of thousands of women will be affected adversely.  These women were told, some years ago, that their pension age would increase from 60 to around 63 or 64. They accepted this change without fuss and set about planning their finances in anticipation of receiving their state pensions later than previously expected. (Video 3)

“But the Government has suddenly moved the goalposts on them. From 2016 onwards, women’s pension age is being increased again. For some unlucky women, by up to two more years.

“By suddenly making them wait so much longer, they face a shortfall of more than £10,000 and they simply will not have time to make appropriate financial arrangements to offset those losses. (Video 4)

“The Government announced these plans unexpectedly. Its paper explaining this decision concedes that women will not have time to plan, but still asserts that the change is not disproportionate.

“Women are already at a pension disadvantage relative to men. This generation of women earned less during their working lives. They were often barred from joining private pension schemes when they started working. Many had to interrupt their careers for child-raising, giving them less chance to build up a pension outside the state system and receive less state pension as well. (Video 5)

“Others have already made careful plans for their retirement, some are seriously ill.

“These women have often already retired to look after older or younger relatives and most are not earning enough currently to be able to save the thousands of pounds necessary to replace the lost state pension. The decision is clearly discriminatory.

“Women accept the need to equalise pension ages, but the timetable proposed is unfair. The outrage is clearly demonstrated in the countless letters that we have received from our members.

“Saga’s survey of more than 12,000 men and women aged over 50 reveals that 74% said that even though the Government needs to raise money, the change in women's pension age as proposed is not the right way to proceed.

“The Government urges people to plan carefully for their retirement. Yet women who did exactly that have had the rug pulled from under them by the Government itself. Saga is calling for the Government to reconsider its plans.” (Video 6)

What could the Government do instead? – favoured option:

Delay the increase in women's pension age until 2020. Between 2010 and 2020, women's pension age is already set to increase from 60 to 65. By 2020, the pension age for men and women will be equalised at 65. Waiting until 2020 before starting to increase women's pension age still further will allow men’s and women's pension ages to rise in tandem to 66, perhaps by the end of 2020. This would allow more time to prepare, affect fewer people and not interfere with the existing timetable of pension age changes.

Further options:

At the very least, surely the Government must limit rises in women's pension age to ensure nobody suffers a rise of more than one year in pension age within ten years of their expected pension date.

In order to protect the most vulnerable women (and men) the Government could also leave Pension Credit eligibility at the current state pension age timetable, rather than increasing the age at which pension credit begins in line with rising women's state pension ages. This would at least ensure that the poorest will not be left to rely on just unemployment benefit.

In addition, the Government could consider exemptions for seriously-ill women (and men) and allow them to retain the currently planned pension ages until 2020.

It is also essential that the Government makes it clear to women exactly what is being proposed, as many still are unaware of the plans.  Ros Altmann said: “The Government itself is still misleading women with its official website. (Video)

“Despite the announcement of these reforms the changes have not been accurately reflected on the Government's own state pension age calculator on the Directgov website. (http://pensions.direct.gov.uk/en/state-pension-age-calculator/home.asp),” said Ros Altmann.

“A small caveat under the calculator that signposts further information on the ‘proposed’ changes is simply not enough. The calculator should either be withdrawn or amended to reflect the new proposed dates – immediately.”

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.saga.co.uk