Op-Ed: The man who wants pensioners to work for their pittance

London - Yesterday, Wednesday, the London 'Evening Standard' reported that Lord Bichard wants pensioners to work for their pensions, but who is this man who is preaching austerity for our elderly?

Lord Bichard's plan would stop the elderly becoming a burden on the State. So would euthanasia, but let's not put ideas into his tiny head. The crux of his suggestion is that "younger pensioners" should be asked (read compelled) to help care for the very elderly (or lose some of their pensions). Who though is Lord Bichard? According to the Evening Standard, he is a former head of the Benefits Agency, while according to his parliamentary profile, Baron Bichard, of Nailsworth is a non-executive director, of Parker Capital Limited; adviser to Cronin Management Consultants; adviser to The Design Council; an editor with Solace Foundation Imprint; and, most interestingly, an adviser to Ten Lifestyle Management Limited. According to the company's own website blurb, among other things, its "Family team" can "help with elderly care...[by] assist[ing] in making the right choice for your relatives". Yes, that's right, they can look after your old folk - for a fee, of course. And who will they employ to do this? How about some of those younger pensioners? Who will not of course be paid, although they may well have their pensions docked if they do not volunteer. What's that the conspiracy cranks always say - follow the money? Looks like they're right this time. Comedian Frankie Boyle has a wicked sense of humour, so one wonders how he might mispronounce the name Bichard. As His Lordship is obviously such a keen lobbyist, he can hardly object if people lobby him with their opinion. He can be contacted at m.bichard@btinternet.com where you can tell him what you think of his splendid idea.