BRIEFINGS (EXAMPLES)
NB Silver Voices Members can obtain back copies of specific briefings by e-mailing info@silvervoices.co.uk
TRIPLE LOCK AND PENSIONS UDATE
Our Briefing 63/20 covered possible threats to the Triple Lock, which appear to have receded, the loss of the Court of Appeal case by the 1950s women and outstanding injustices and inconsistencies in the state pension system.
NHS CHALLENGES
Our Briefing 53/20 sought the views of members on the challenges facing the NHS in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly the huge waiting lists, increased privatisation and the development of a “virtual” NHS with restrictions on face to face consultations.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
We have issued many briefings on the Coronavirus crisis since March, which have been widely read. Topics have included the lack of support for social care staff, the huge death toll from Covid-19 in care homes, the woeful performance of the Government in coordinating testing and the supply of PPE to the front line, international comparisons, the debate over the use of face masks and our opposition to the ending of shielding support.
BREXIT QUESTIONS REMAIN
Our Briefing 05/20 raises ten outstanding questions, that require answers, on issues of major significance to older people, now that the UK has left the EU.
RESIDENTIAL HOMES SIPHONING OFF VAST PROFITS
Our Briefing 03/20 analyses a report highlighting how the big residential home operators (often owned by hedge funds) use various dubious techniques to suck out huge profits from the sector.
GOVERNMENT MUST KEEP ITS PROMISES
Our first Briefing of 2020 (01/20) lists some of the key promises made in the General Election campaign, which we will be expecting the Government to deliver on without delay.
AGEISM IN THE NHS
Our Briefing 52/19 concentrates on age discrimination in the provision of health services, particularly the age cut-off points for cancer screening.
PENSION AGE TO RISE AGAIN?
Our Briefing 47/19 analyses a report from an influential think-tank which proposes that the state pension age should rise to 70 by 2028 and to 75 by 2035.
RETIREMENT HOUSING
Our Briefing 43/19 highlights the appalling lack of accessible homes suitable for older people; and seeks Silver Voices members’ views on the priorities for tackling this crisis.
BREXIT AND HEALTHCARE
Briefing 40/19 describes the major risks to the health of senior citizens from a ‘No Deal’ Brexit
SCAMMERS TARGET US
Our Briefing 39/19 shows how and why scammers target vulnerable older people.
DEMENTIA DISCRIMINATION
Briefing 37/19, for members only, applauds the belated media campaigns to highlight the gross discrimination faced by those of us living with dementia.
GPs REFUSING TO PRESCRIBE MEDICINES
Our Briefing 35/19 covers the increasing difficulty of getting appointments with GPs; and the new policy of refusing to prescribe medicines that can be bought from pharmacists.
ABUSE IN CARE HOMES: STAFF AND RESIDENTS ALIKE
Briefing 34/19 covers surveys showing that poor wages and conditions in the residential care sector leads to abuse and neglect for both workers and those they care for.
CARERS: THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TOLL
Our Briefing 30/19 during Carers’ Week describes research on the health impact of unpaid caring on the carers themselves. The response from the Government has been token.
HOUSE OF LORDS ATTACK ON PENSIONS AND BENEFITS
Briefing 27/19 publicises a disgraceful report by a House of Lords Committee which proposes scrapping the triple lock on state pensions, restrictions on free bus passes and cuts to other senior citizen benefits; all in the name of intergenerational fairness!
EXCESSIVE FUNERAL COSTS
Our Briefing 26/19 covers Silver Voices’ comments to the Competition and Markets Authority on their investigation into sharply rising funeral costs.
