News from The Labour Party

Cameron offers no real help for pensioners

Stephen Timms MP, Labour’s Treasury Minister, responding to David Cameron’s comments in today’s Telegraph, said:

“Unless the Conservatives can explain how they will pay for this commitment, it remains an empty promise – for all Cameron’s warm words he opposed Labour’s measures to give real help now to pensioners. The fact remains the Tories would do nothing to help families and business.

“Cameron cannot hide the fact that he is a do nothing leader of a do nothing party. The Labour Government is giving all pensioners real support through the tough times, including giving every pensioner £60 in January – a measure that the Tories opposed.”

They also announced yesterday that the Basic state pension will increase to £95.25 per week – up by £4.55 – and, for couples, the standard rate will rise to £152.30.

For pensioners on the lowest incomes, from April next year we will see the biggest increase in the Pension Credit guarantee since its introduction in 2003 – up by £5.95 a week for single pensioners and £9.10 for couples.

And to support those pensioners who pay income tax, the Government will raise in line with prices the age-related tax allowances in April 2009 to £9,490 for people aged 65 to 74, and to £9,640 for people aged 75 and over. By April 2010 only 40 per cent of pensioners aged 65 or over will pay income tax.

Other news from The Labour Party

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• "We need what you might call 'one nation banking'" - 3 February 2012
• Burnham: "Mental health must move from the edges to the centre of the NHS" - 31 January 2012