Why should pensioners receive these free government handouts?

[pdq1]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18778359

It is costing the NHS £bns to give out free prescriptive medicines to pensioners many of whom can afford to pay for themselves. They also receive free bus passes when many already own a car. And why should they receive free TV licences which can only add to the cost of those having to pay.

[mike11111]

"I think they're tied up with the House of Lords at the moment, Alice. "

Bleedin' perverts!

[shaneystar2]

Oh yes I can see that point Woofy ....loads of emmets here bunging up the bus for us locals :)
But I still think that it's fair enough that you there should be a cut off point .EG only for use in the county you live in .
I'm grateful for my bus pass but I think it's taking the juice that people can travel for nowt around the whole of the country .If they can afford to come here on holiday then they can pay a bit towards our local bus service and I would expect to do the same vice versa .
Which is where we get to the great divide ....who can and who can't afford to pay ..which is why Mr Boles is talking balls .

[LazyGun]

Means testing for universal benefits for pensioners would be wrong. In part, because those pensioners have lived their lives and contributed to the state pot on the understanding that they would be in receipt of such benefits when they were eligible.

Although souunding superficially attractive, the idea of means testing wold fail the test of economics, too --- it would cost a signigicant amount of money to process all of the relevant documentation for the millions of recipients.

Having said all that....... there are a significant number of pensioners who are well off, and do not need free prescriptions, or a buss pass, or a free TV licence, come to that, and I dont see why there cannot be a process by which you could register an opt out for any of the benefits being offered - I cant see why that would cost a lot of money to implement, and I think quite a few wealthy recipients would quite happily opt out, to do their bit.

[Hastler]

I think you should only get benefits if you have paid for them through your National Insurance and Taxes.
Surely the more you have paid the more you should get.
If you have paid nothing you shouid get nothing.

[vivandorron]

Well said Hastler.

Ron.

[cathfromsaron]

in wales they get free scripts on the NHS and local councils process the free bus passes; these are a part of the green policy too NOT a freebie sop!

[pdq1]

Maybe its policies like these will insure that the Tory government will not make many friends. As the pensioner vote is vital to winning elections they should take their feet out of their mouths and consider the population rather than sticking to the old Tory ideology.

[mike11111]

If we had a Tory government you might have a point. As it is we have a dog's breakfast, in which what ought to be the gigantic Tory dog is in fact being wagged by the pathetic Liberal tail.

[jomifl]

When I became eligible for a bus pass I didn't apply for it as I have a car. I don't think many people who have cars would travel by bus out of choice.

[bednobs]

my parents do jomfil. They live in a relatively small city which is well served by busses. On top of that they live in a small road where parking is at a premium. on top of both htose things, petrol is expensive

[woofgang]

If I lived in a city, which Gid forbid, I wouldn't have a car. As it is, where I live a car is essential.

[lady-janine]

bednobs - i m sorry i did not make myself clear and i have no wish to offend you my remarks were aimed at pdq1.