麻豆约拍

On Call You & Yours we'll be discussing if and how pensioner benefits could be/should be curbed.

A little-noticed announcement on public spending in last month's Budget looks set to pitch pensioners and working-age people against each other in the future over their share of the controversial welfare bill, that's according to new analysis from the Social Market Foundation.

In a speech last month, the work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith said that pensioners find it far harder to make short-term change because they can't affect that change through any other means. He says that benefits like the winter fuel allowance, free bus passes and TV licences will not be means tested until at least 2015 because the elderly need more time to prepare for any possible changes.

Supporters of universal benefits for pensioners argue that they serve a very important purpose as they ensure that all those who need money will actually get it. Many pensioners are too proud to claim means-tested payments and would sometimes rather starve or freeze than apply for what they see as hand-outs. By paying to everyone, this problem goes away.

So at a time when the wider welfare budget is under scrutiny should some pensioner benefits be cut..and if so, how would you change the current system?

03700 100 444 is the number or you can e-mail via the Radio 4 website or text us on 84844.

Presenter: Julian Worricker
Producer: Maire Devine.