Motion to Retired Members Conference 2018

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Conference
2018 National Retired Members Conference
Date
20 June 2018
Decision
Carried as Amended

Conference notes with concern the growing trend in certain sections of the media to place the blame on our generation for many of the problems being met by younger people.

It seems to be convenient to forget, or ignore, the social, political and economic history of the post Second World War years.

We know that:

1)There are shortages of houses either to buy or rent leading to an increase in homelessness.

2)The abolition of fair Rent Officers led to rent rises and unscrupulous Private Landlords.

3)There is rising unemployment and lack of job security.

4)There are cuts in public spending including the NHS.

5)There are retrogressive changes to the benefits system.

6)Education cuts, the introduction of tuition fees and student loans.

7)Increases in the use of food banks.

However we believe that these are direct and indirect consequences of Government policies and not the fault of our generation.

We call on the National Retired Members’ Committee to:

a) Liaise with other relevant organisations to counter these media lies and to promote a positive image of older people.

b) Suggest a campaign to bring Young Members and Retired Members closer together, perhaps with some joint working between the 2 Committees to promote a greater understanding between the generations.