Seniors’ advocates Age Concern issued “both a congratulatory and cautious response” to the latest Budget.

Executive director Claudette Fleming cheered the announcement of a $9 million boost to Government’s Financial Assistance programme which would help “financially strapped Bermudians, especially senior citizens”.

And chairman Charles Jeffers said there was “definitely a sense of relief” that new taxes hadn’t been introduced.

However, Ms Fleming said the Budget brought “an immediate response of ‘tell me more’” — such as its proposed five percent increase of most Government fees.

“How far do these fees expand and, what is the potential impact on senior citizens? For example, are car licensing fees included in the fee adjustment increase?”

The charity called for details on the Ministry of Finance’s proposed introduction of pension funding policies.

In a nod to the findings of the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission, Finance Minister Bob Richards said the group had declared that “promises will have to be broken with respect to pensions”.

Mr Richards told MPs: “This may very well be true. Certainly the current structure of pensions, combined with our ageing and declining population, is not sustainable.”

Ms Fleming responded: “Of particular concern to Age Concern and its members would be whether such planning would include the preservation of current pension benefits, and the degree to which current and future pensions will adequately support the rising cost of living in Bermuda.”

Yesterday’s Budget statement included sharp words on rising healthcare costs, including a promise by Mr Richards to “put the brakes” on expenditures.

Ms Fleming questioned whether the time was now ripe for Government to revisit the National Health Plan for universal care.

‘We are earnestly looking forward to learning more about the fine details of the budget in the days and weeks to come,” Mr Jeffers added.