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06/10/2003
Tories pledge to raise basic state pensions
Ahead of their annual party conference, which opens today, the Tories have said that they will increase the basic state pension by around £7 a week to single pensioners, and £11 a week for couples.
The Tories claim that under their plan, the current basic state pension of £77.45 a week would rise to £92.40.
The move, which is linked in with average earnings, would come in by the end of a Conservative government's first four-year term, the party said.
The Conservatives believe that they could raise the £5-£7 billion needed to restore the earnings link by cost-savings from the abandoning the government's means-testing programme – and by reforming the 'New Deal' for unemployed people.
The Opposition has said that it would be able to phase out means-testing over time without abolishing the Chancellor Gordon Brown's Pensions Credit, which guarantees all single pensioners at least £102.10 a week and couples £155.80.
The Blackpool conference is also expected to see the announcement of a scheme for US-style elected sheriffs to run local police units. And it will also see the publication of a document setting out the basis of the party's manifesto for the next General Election, entitled 'Trusting People - a Fair Deal for Everyone'. The leaflet will outline policies including the scrapping of university top-up fees, and an extra 40,000 police.
(gmcg)
The Tories claim that under their plan, the current basic state pension of £77.45 a week would rise to £92.40.
The move, which is linked in with average earnings, would come in by the end of a Conservative government's first four-year term, the party said.
The Conservatives believe that they could raise the £5-£7 billion needed to restore the earnings link by cost-savings from the abandoning the government's means-testing programme – and by reforming the 'New Deal' for unemployed people.
The Opposition has said that it would be able to phase out means-testing over time without abolishing the Chancellor Gordon Brown's Pensions Credit, which guarantees all single pensioners at least £102.10 a week and couples £155.80.
The Blackpool conference is also expected to see the announcement of a scheme for US-style elected sheriffs to run local police units. And it will also see the publication of a document setting out the basis of the party's manifesto for the next General Election, entitled 'Trusting People - a Fair Deal for Everyone'. The leaflet will outline policies including the scrapping of university top-up fees, and an extra 40,000 police.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
