Pensions not Poverty - petition drop at Number 10

04/10/2007

On Monday 1st October, 2007, International Day of Older People, a delegation from the UK and Overseas took a ‘Pensions not Poverty’ petition to 10 Downing Street. The petition forms part of Help the Aged and Help Age International’s ‘Pensions not Poverty’ campaign calling for social pensions in developing countries, and forms part of Age Demands Action, a global effort to improve the situation of older people around the world.

Help the Aged and Help Age International strongly believe that regular cash transfers to older people in the form of a guaranteed non-means tested social pension, is an effective way to tackle not only older people’s poverty but also society-wide poverty in developing countries. 

Pension schemes have been implemented for less than 2% of GDP and delivered real results. In South Africa, a pension has cut older people’s poverty by 94% but also delivered better nutrition to children. A study showed that girls in pension recipient households are on average 3-4cm taller than girls of the same age in non-recipient households. Studies around the world have also shown that children from families with a pension income are more likely to go to school, which is vital to ensure the continuing development of poorer countries.

Richard Blewitt, Chief Executive of Help Age International says: “We are pleased that the Department for International Development has recognised the value of social pensions and is now supporting a pilot scheme in Vietnam. However, it is vital that other members of the international community follow the UK’s example and support social pensions through their aid strategies as well.”

Dan McLean, International Communications Manager of Help the Aged concluded: “UK Government can make a difference by actively promoting social pensions on the international stage. Nearly 8000 people have signed our petition or completed a postcard calling on the UK Government to take this leadership. This shows that the people of the UK want our Government to take action now”.