Retirement should be fun - minister (From Barry And District News)

Retirement should be fun - minister

VALE of Glamorgan pensioners had the chance to quiz a leading politician over government policies.

Representatives from the local Forum met Welsh Minister Don Touhig at the Civic Offices on Tuesday for a short address and lively debate.

Speaking about the event, he said: "As President of the National Old Age Pensioners' Association of Wales, I have a special interest in issues relevant to older citizens.

"In a world where work is central to everyday life, retirement can seem unstructured in comparison. Work provides not just our income but can give us our social life, for example, or a sense of our worth to the community. But there is no reason why retirement cannot be enjoyable and fulfilling.

"The Government is committed to putting in place policies that will help older people play their full part in society. We want all pensioners to have a decent and secure income in retirement and to share fairly in the rising prosperity of the country."

Mr Touhig also stressed the importance of senior citizens and their role in society. He said: "We want to increase opportunities to remain active in later life - in work, community activity and lifelong learning.

"We want to promote the independence of older people, through better health and care services. And we want to ensure that older people are consulted and involved in designating the policies and delivering the services they need."

He said the government had helped pensioners in many ways since 1997. The Chancellor had announced in this year's budget that eligible households with someone aged 80 or over would receive an extra £100 with the £200 winter fuel payment for the remainder for this Parliament.

"I congratulate the Forum on the excellent work it is doing representing the views of pensioners in the Vale of Glamorgan," Mr Touhig said. "And I very much look forward to meeting Forum members and to discussing issues of relevance with them."