National Pensioners’ Convention aims (Green eniors is affiliated to the NPC)
The NPC’s main objective is to promote the welfare and interests of all
pensioners, as a way of securing dignity, respect and financial security in
retirement.
The NPC organises rallies and lobbies of MPs, leads delegations to
parliament and makes submissions to government on policies affecting older
people. The Convention also stages an annual three-day Pensioners’ Parliament
in Blackpool, where up to 2000 representatives discuss issues of
concern and share ideas in an atmosphere of genuine friendship.
The NPC also features regularly in both the local and national media and
uses every opportunity to raise awareness of the issues that affect older
people. One of the Convention’s priorities is to therefore influence public
opinion and where appropriate, secure changes in government policy.
In our relatively short history, through our campaigning and influencing
work we have achieved some significant benefits for older people:
1. Restoration of the
link with earnings – 30 years after the Thatcher government took it away
2. Introduction of
the free concessionary bus pass from the Labour government when John
Prescott was Transport Minister
3. Introduction of the
winter fuel allowance when Gordon Brown was Chancellor
4. A change in the
rules so that someone in hospital no longer has their state pension
stopped until after 52 weeks, rather than the original 6 weeks
5. Led the successful
campaign to reduce VAT on fuel to 5%
The real strength of the organisation however comes from the work of our
many affiliated groups, who are active in their local areas and regions
promoting the NPC’s campaigns. This makes the Convention unique, as the only
national campaign group in the country which is run by pensioners for
pensioners.
To keep our supporters informed the NPC also produces a bi-annual
newspaper called The Message, a monthly Campaign! email bulletin, briefing
papers and pamphlets, as well as organising seminars, training sessions and
provides speakers at meetings all over the country. The Convention also
maintains a library of useful information on a wide range of subjects, which is
available to both groups and individuals on request.
With more support the NPC will be able to continue to develop its
organisation and strengthen its influence as the campaigning voice of both
today’s and tomorrow’s pensioners.
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