PROTECT UNIVERSAL BENEFITS

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Conference
2012 National Retired Members Conference
Date
9 October 2012
Decision
Carried

On Sunday 7 October 2012, the Prime Minister, David Cameron gave an assurance that he would not cut universal benefits for pensioners such as free bus passes and winter fuel payments.

This statement is the exact opposite of that made by his Coalition partner, Nick Clegg who has stated his support for stripping so-called “rich” pensioners of universal benefits.

Conference believes that this highlights the confusion within the Government over the future of universal benefits for pensioners.

Conference knows that means-testing rsults in unclaimed benefits e.g. £4.5 billion in 2009.

Conference therefore requests that the National Retired Members’ Committee works with appropriate bodies within and outside of UNISON to defend universal benefits for pensioners.