News from Castle Point Labour

Budget support for pensioners welcomed by Castle Point candidate

Castle Point’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate was delighted by the Budget’s support for pensioners.

Julian Ware-Lane said: “I’m proud that Labour supported pensioners through the recovery, getting help to those who needed it when they needed it most.

“Now, as we come out of recession, it’s vital that we carry on helping pensioners in Castle Point. So I’m particularly pleased that the Chancellor announced that this year, pensioners will receive the additional payment alongside the Winter Fuel Payment – just like last year.

“This additional payment is 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.

“I am also 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.”

Julian Ware-Lane added: “I want every single pensioner in Castle Point to know about the various benefits they are entitled to. They have earned the support they get.”

Other news from Castle Point Labour

• Labour's Castle Point candidate joins campaign to support teachers - 28 April 2010
• Labour's Castle Point candidate backs the World Cup 2018 bid - 21 April 2010
• Castle Point Labour candidate will speak up for local pubs - 20 April 2010