LETTERS – Convention is fighting for older people

As the older people’s parliament returns to debate the many problems facing UK’s older people, delegates will be attending The National Pensioner’s Annual Convention in Blackpool on June 28 and 29.
The main question to be asked is why millions of today’s and tomorrow’s older people face poverty, hardship and the loss of vital services?
The NPC, the UK’s largest campaign group for older people, will be bringing expert speakers to examine the problems and debate the possible solutions at our first Convention – our annual conference – post-COVID.
NPC general secretary Jan Shortt said: “The last few years have been particularly tough on our oldest and most vulnerable. Hundreds of thousands died in the pandemic, and millions now struggle to make ends meet as prices rocket, while the real value of pensions drop.
“Older people are having to choose between eating and heating, while the essential services they rely upon, from health and care to housing and transport, continue to decline or disappear completely.
“This isn’t just a problem for older people now, it is a major issue for today’s workers who wonder if they’ll ever be able to retire. Especially if the government pushes back the retirement age to 68 and threatens to scrap the Triple Lock that should guarantee state pension cost of living increases.”
This convention will be a very special event and it will enthuse members and supporters alike to return to their regions and groups with a renewed commitment to grow the NPC, and fight for the rights of tomorrow’s older people.

Rodney Sadd
Adcocks Avenue
Crowland
Supporter of the NPC