|
p3
 Last month I went to the Labour Party Conference
in Brighton. Every year it gets more stage-managed. We had a contentious debate on
pensions this year. So I think it is worth setting out what the real issues are.
Under a Labour Government, the value of the old age pension was linked with earnings. Mrs
Thatcher scrapped that. For over 20 years, the Labour Party promised that we would restore
the link between pensions and earnings. If we did that, the value of a single person
pension would be over £90.00. But, sadly, my government has back-tracked on this policy
and last year pensioners got a measly increase of 75p. Instead of putting up the pension
the Government has brought in the 'minimum income guarantee.'
This is just another name for income support. The Government argues that it is better to
give poorer pensioners means tested extra money than put up the pension. The problem with
means-tested benefit is that pensioners are often too proud to claim. Currently, over one
million pensioners do not claim all the benefits they are entitled to.
Successive governments have tried to deal with this problem and failed. If you rely on
means-tested benefit to help poor pensioners you are almost guaranteeing that many
pensioners will continue to suffer.
Furthermore, if the pension just becomes a benefit for the very poor it will become harder
to convince taxpayers to support it. Today, it's asylum seekers on food vouchers, one day
it could be pensioners. I think old people should not be pauperised. They should get a
proper oldage pension linked to earnings, as of right.
Look East
an occasional series
Many Stoke Newington dwellers, and particularly newcomers, see Stoke Newington
High Street as the end of the civilised world Further east, is the belief, and there be
dragons. Much better to see the area as a cosy extension of Islington, Highbury and Camden
than to venture down to the uncharted territory of East London. There is, however, a lot
to offer for the eastward traveller, and this series will explore what is available. We
begin with the Lea Bridge Road and environs.
The River Lea (or Lee, no-one seems too sure) winds its way from romantic Luton, through
Hertfordshire and down past the relatively short but tricky 18-hole golf course and sports
complex of Pickett's Lock. The river is flanked by a handy tow path and a leisurely amble
through the heron-populated Walthamstow Marshes nature reserve will make you forget your
proximity to the noise and hassle of Central London. The Princess of Wales (for years the
Prince of Wales but renamed in the Di-fixated 1990s) is an attractive Young's pub sitting
where the river flows under the Lea Bridge Road, and is a fine spot in the summer to sit
outside and idly observe the passing boats, canoeists and the patient anglers.
Slightly further up the road on the left is the Lee Valley Ice Centre. Bump your way round
the rink or take lessons in skating, figure skating, dance skating or even junior ice
hockey (0208 533 3154). About a hundred yards up on the left is a stables - the Lee Valley
Riding Centre - which offers tuition in horse riding (0208 556 2629). To complete this
sporting stretch, on the other side of the road there is an 18-hole par-3 golf course,
just before Lea Bridge Road becomes a jumble of shops, DIY centres, a petrol station and
assorted urban outlets. The course contains five holes of over 100 yards, and the hazards
include bunkers and electricity pylons. It's perfect for beginners and you can hire clubs
at the little shop (0208 539 3611).
For those of you football fans jaded by the multi-million pound corporations and sky-high
ticket prices of Spurs and Arsenal, the Leyton Orient ground, which boasts one of the
finest pitches in British football, can be reached by turning right down Church Road,
about half a mile from where the shops begin. The Barry Hearnowned 'O's' are currently
enjoying something of a resurgence in the Third Division, and a couple of pints at the
Oliver Twist close to the ground will set you up for a pleasant, prima donna-free Saturday
afternoon. And you can stand on a terrace. Watch the pies, though. If you fancy a
kick-about, nearby Hackney Marshes boasts more football pitches in one place than anywhere
else in Europe. David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and many other Premier stars learnt their
skills here.
So, ice skating, horse riding, golf and football are all available on your doorstep. If
you don't drive, take a 73 bus to Balls Pond Road and catch the 56, which travels along
Lea Bridge Road. Or walk. Give yourself a healthy change from drinking capuccinos on
Church Street.
|
. |
