SUPPORTING PENSIONERS

Conservatives have pledged to increase the state pension for all, as part of a series of measures to support pensioners. Under Labour, two and a half million pensioners are living in poverty. We can’t go on like this.

Paul Campbell says: “A Conservative Government will re-link the value of the state pension to average earnings to ensure it continues to grow in value and to help stop the spread of means testing for pensioners.”

To help pensioners struggling to pay their bills, Conservatives have also promised to work with local councils to freeze council tax for two years, and will give every home up to £6,500 worth of energy improvements – free to householders and helping to bring fuel bills down.

The party’s plans for a new home protection scheme will also end the scandal of older people being forced to sell their homes in order to pay for their residential care bills.

Conservatives have pledged to protect the benefits which are highly valued by many pensioners – such as the Winter Fuel Allowance and free TV licences for the over-75s. David Cameron has firmly knocked back Labour’s claims that these schemes would be at risk under the Conservatives, describing the accusations as ‘desperate lies’.

The Shadow Pensions Secretary, Theresa May, said: ‘Conservatives are committed to giving pensioners dignity and security in their old age. Our plans to increase the value of the state pension will do just that.’

By Paul Campbell Feb 2010

Tags: Finance Paul Campbell

Promoted by Councillor Keith Bland on behalf of Warrington North Conservatives both at 1 Charnock Road Culcheth Warrington WA3 5SH Tel: 01925 766641