Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 April 2009
Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension
The weekly full basic State Pension will rise by five per cent from £90.70 to £95.25 from today - almost an extra £5 a week. Around 12 million pensioners will benefit from this increase in their State Pension, the biggest percentage increase since 2001.
Pensioners Benefit From 5% Increase In State Pension
The weekly full basic State Pension will rise by five per cent from £90.70 to £95.25 from today - almost an extra £5 a week. Around 12 million pensioners will benefit from this increase in their State Pension, the biggest percentage increase since 2001.
30 November 2005
Mixed reaction to pensions report
Today's Pensions Commission report has been hailed by the government and opposition leaders but fiercely criticised by both businesses and trade unions. The review proposed a gradual rise in the state pension age to 68, as well as the introduction of a national pension saving scheme and a rise in payments linked to earnings, rather than prices.
Mixed reaction to pensions report
Today's Pensions Commission report has been hailed by the government and opposition leaders but fiercely criticised by both businesses and trade unions. The review proposed a gradual rise in the state pension age to 68, as well as the introduction of a national pension saving scheme and a rise in payments linked to earnings, rather than prices.
07 April 2005
Pension Protection Fund launches
A scheme to protect employees' pension schemes in the event of their employer declaring bankruptcy has been launched.
Pension Protection Fund launches
A scheme to protect employees' pension schemes in the event of their employer declaring bankruptcy has been launched.
05 December 2013
State Pension Age To Increase
More people will have to work for longer before being entitled to a state pension, Chancellor George Osborne is to announce. Currently, the state pension age was due to change from 65 to 68 in 2046, however, as part of Mr Osborne's Autumn statement, the date will now be brought forward to the mid-2030s.
State Pension Age To Increase
More people will have to work for longer before being entitled to a state pension, Chancellor George Osborne is to announce. Currently, the state pension age was due to change from 65 to 68 in 2046, however, as part of Mr Osborne's Autumn statement, the date will now be brought forward to the mid-2030s.
25 January 2010
Calls For Longer Working Life
Employees should be offered greater flexibility if they decide to work past retirement age, a Equality Commission reports has said. Under a raft of proposals, the Commission called for the abolition of the default retirement age.
Calls For Longer Working Life
Employees should be offered greater flexibility if they decide to work past retirement age, a Equality Commission reports has said. Under a raft of proposals, the Commission called for the abolition of the default retirement age.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
