MP tackles pensioners' issues at Convention meeting

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 1st Aug 2005

HEALTHCARE, ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND RATES TOP PENSIONERS' CONCERNS

Anti-social behaviour, council tax re-branding and hospital staff shortages during holidays topped the list of concerns this week when Solihull MP Lorely Burt met with the Solihull branch of the National Pensioners' convention.

'Pensioners are rightly concerned about these issues, and they had some good common-sense solutions' said Lorely.

'For example on binge drinking. One member recalled how he would be firmly refused by his local landlord if she felt he had had enough. How many landlords do that nowadays?

'With some area I was able to offer some hope: for example legislation comes in this Autumn to enable parents to be fined for their youngsters' anti-social behaviour. What will be crucial, however, is whether it will be enforced. I'll be talking the local Police Chief to see how he plans to enforce the new law.'

'Other members expressed concern that there are not enough staff to care for hospital patients during weekends and holidays. There were some heart-rending stories, although many of them were too far in the past to raise as complaints now', said Mrs Burt, who now has a 'hotline' to hospital chiefs to enable constituents' complaints to be investigated and resolved quickly.

The other great worry expressed by the pensioners was over the coming re-banding for rating purposes. Because of the way their homes had increased in value over the years some pensioners were concerned that if they could not pay the revised rates they might lose their homes.

'Council Tax is a very unfair tax' said Lorely. Local tax should be based on people's ability to pay, not on the size of their house. I'll do all I can to find out how the government plans to help pensioners who are already saddled with huge council tax bills.'

The meeting ended with very warm applause for Lorely. As one pensioner commented 'We really appreciate her taking the time to listen to us - she's doing a great job'.