Jon Trickett welcomes Government support for local pensioners
Jon Trickett MP wants local pensioners to know that pensioners will always be looked after under a Labour Government, following announcements made in today’s budget.
Extra payments such as the Winter Fuel Allowance, free TV licenses, bus passes and prescriptions have all been protected during the recession and have actually continued to increase in real terms.
Just like last year, pensioners will receive an additional payment worth £100 to households with someone over 80 and £50 to households with someone aged over female state pension age.
This is on top of the Winter Fuel Allowance, worth £300 to households with someone over 80, and £200 to households with someone aged over female state pension age.
Jon Trickett said:
“I’m pleased that the Budget increases the basic state pension by 2.5% from April 2010. That’s £97.65 a week for single pensioners and £156.15 for couples. Overall, the average state pension rises by 2%, more than average earnings.
“And from April 2011, we’re also making the Working Tax Credit available to people over 60 who work at least 16 hours a week, rather than 30 hours as currently. This is a real boost to people who want to carry on working.
“I want every single pensioner to know about the various benefits they’re entitled to from this Government. They’ve earned the support they get and I stand by my statement that they would be at threat under a Conservative Government.
“If any pensioners or their families want more details on how the Budget helps them, or if they want more details about the benefits they’re entitled to, they should get in touch with my office.”