Menu
25/10/2006
Pensioners to protest at Westminster
Pensioners are to protest at Westminster today to demand an increase in the state pension.
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) says "the government's white paper on pensions contains nothing of immediate benefit to today's pensioners".
The pensioners will be demanding a £30 a week increase which means they will receive £114.50.
NPC General Secretary, Joe Harris, said: "Already one in five older people live below the poverty line and millions more are being forced into hardship by rising fuel and council tax bills.
"The question therefore is not whether the country can afford to provide a decent state pension for everyone, but whether MPs have the political will to do the decent thing. It's our job to convince them they must."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said tackling pensioner poverty had been the government's "first priority".
A spokesperson for the DWP said: "Today, no pensioner should be living on less than £114 per week, compared to £69 per week ten years ago.
"On average, pensioner households are £1,400 a year - £26 a week - better off in 2006-07, because of tax and benefit changes, than under the 1997 system. A pensioner is now less likely to be on a low income than people of working age."
(CD)
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) says "the government's white paper on pensions contains nothing of immediate benefit to today's pensioners".
The pensioners will be demanding a £30 a week increase which means they will receive £114.50.
NPC General Secretary, Joe Harris, said: "Already one in five older people live below the poverty line and millions more are being forced into hardship by rising fuel and council tax bills.
"The question therefore is not whether the country can afford to provide a decent state pension for everyone, but whether MPs have the political will to do the decent thing. It's our job to convince them they must."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said tackling pensioner poverty had been the government's "first priority".
A spokesperson for the DWP said: "Today, no pensioner should be living on less than £114 per week, compared to £69 per week ten years ago.
"On average, pensioner households are £1,400 a year - £26 a week - better off in 2006-07, because of tax and benefit changes, than under the 1997 system. A pensioner is now less likely to be on a low income than people of working age."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Concerns Over 'Pensioner Poverty'
The Government has insisted that it is fully behind the welfare of retired people. In the face of a new report that said around one third of the UK's retired people are living in poverty, an official statement has described as "nonsense" any suggestion that the Government is "not committed to pensioners".
Concerns Over 'Pensioner Poverty'
The Government has insisted that it is fully behind the welfare of retired people. In the face of a new report that said around one third of the UK's retired people are living in poverty, an official statement has described as "nonsense" any suggestion that the Government is "not committed to pensioners".
17 January 2006
Chancellor announces cold weather support for pensioners
Chancellor Gordon Brown has set out a programme of increased financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep “warm, healthy and safe” through the winter.
Chancellor announces cold weather support for pensioners
Chancellor Gordon Brown has set out a programme of increased financial support and assistance from the Government to help older people keep “warm, healthy and safe” through the winter.
18 May 2009
Man Charged Over Pensioner Stabbing
A man has been charged with the murder of an 84-year-old woman in west Wales, police have confirmed. The body of pensioner Margaret Ford was found by officers when they were called to the Templeton area of Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening.
Man Charged Over Pensioner Stabbing
A man has been charged with the murder of an 84-year-old woman in west Wales, police have confirmed. The body of pensioner Margaret Ford was found by officers when they were called to the Templeton area of Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening.
07 September 2004
Lib Dems pledge extra £25 for single pensioners
The Lib Dems have today published their vision for pensions – the 'Citizens Pension' which will see single pensioners over 75 receive an extra £25 a week. Couples over 75 could expect to get an extra £33.70 a week under a Lib Dem administration – and all paid for through the abolition of the DTI. The cost of the policy – which would provide £105.
Lib Dems pledge extra £25 for single pensioners
The Lib Dems have today published their vision for pensions – the 'Citizens Pension' which will see single pensioners over 75 receive an extra £25 a week. Couples over 75 could expect to get an extra £33.70 a week under a Lib Dem administration – and all paid for through the abolition of the DTI. The cost of the policy – which would provide £105.
06 July 2004
Pensioners receiving more money under new Credit scheme
A new report today showed that 1.83 million pensioner households are getting more money through Pension Credit than was the case under the old Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) system.
Pensioners receiving more money under new Credit scheme
A new report today showed that 1.83 million pensioner households are getting more money through Pension Credit than was the case under the old Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) system.
-
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.
