Senior citizens

MOST groups in our society, received some direct benefit in the form of supplements, tax benefits, incentives, grace periods for payments, and so on, in the COVID -19 Supplementary Budget. The Budget was aimed at addressing COVID -19.

The Budget speech was finally delivered on Thursday night (26/3 ), after some lively debate, points of orders and interjections.

I believe the one group that lost out in a way, was the senior citizens (65 years plus). They in fact had their bus concession fare reduced from $40 per month to $20 per month. This reduction was aimed at curtailing their travelling, because they are regarded as a high risk group. Whilst the reasoning behind is understandable. it is really a generalisation and does not really apply to all in that group. The “high risk” actually only applies to those in the group who already have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart diseases and so on and would therefore be at greater risk of being affected by the virus. However, those not in this high risk category in the group, have also been roped into this high risk category.

To be fair, I would have though that the $20 deducted per month would have been transferred to their $100 monthly Social Pension instead. In this way, $20 is freed as cash from the bus fare. This would enable them to have more cash on hand to meet their daily necessities, such as food and thats without increasing the Budget. Government still forks out $140 and the senior citizens has access to $20 cash currently “frozen” in the bus concession card. A win -win situation !

Better still, why not just increase their monthly social pension to say $150, to be on par with other groups who will benefit from this Supplementary Budget.

Just a kind reminder that this is a proud group in our society. They have given about 40 years of their lives to serving this country proudly in many fields. Members of this group are usually content with whatever is given to them. However, some small form of compensation made to them in this budget, in recognition of their wonderful and devoted service to this country throughout the years, will certainly be helpful during this trying and unprecedented times.

Well, I guess that will only be wishful thinking now.

EDWARD BLAKELOCK

Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour