Pincher demands State Pension Debate in Commons

Tamworth’s Member of Parliament, Christopher Pincher, last week used Business Questions to ask Commons Leader Sir George Young for a debate on the state pension in the House of Commons.

Mr. Pincher said:

“There has been a great deal of debate recently about public sector pensions, but may we have a debate about the state pension, so that we can discuss the actions that the Government are taking to improve the lot of state pensioners and ensure that they never again suffer the indignity of the miserly 75p rise they got from Labour?”

Sir George Young responded:

“We would welcome such a debate. This year, pensioners will see the biggest cash rise they have ever seen, and under our triple lock the state pension will always be increased, year on year, in line with average earnings, prices or 2.5%, whichever is the highest. This year’s increase of more than £5 a week contrasts, as my hon. Friend has just reminded us, with the 75p that the Labour Government gave pensioners in 1999.”

Later Mr. Pincher said:

“I am very pleased that Sir George Young believes a debate in the House of Commons on the state pension would be helpful.  Many local pensioners have seen their savings affected by low interest rates so I am sure they will appreciate a debate specifically about them and the actions the government will take to give them a fair deal.”

“Freezing council tax, scrapping the fuel duty increase and increasing the tax threshold are measures that will certainly make life easier for senior citizens.  But I do feel it is important that we also focus on the state pension to ensure it is fair.  The notorious 75p rise under Labour was an insult to people who had worked and saved all their lives.  We must guard against any repeat of that.”