UCU: Defend universal pension and welfare rights

Motion

Motion text: Congress notes that the means testing of the Winter Fuel Allowance is likely to be
a precursor to further attacks on presently universal rights and benefits. Means
testing does not enable help to be given to all the supposed target group. It also
introduces a threshold that has already left many of those who are defined as
being in poverty out of its scope.
Means testing has been suggested for the triple lock and the state pension itself.
Further targets could easily encompass concessionary travel and free health care.
A defence of the universal principle avoids an increasing division between those
who can pay and those who cannot afford the basic necessities of a civilised
existence.
Congress calls upon the NEC to organise a campaign in collaboration with other
unions and campaign groups to oppose further erosion of universal welfare
rights.