News story

1 November 2000

MP Challenges Government over Pensions

Northavon MP Steve Webb will next week lead a House of Commons call for a substantial rise in the state pension, just two days before the Chancellor delivers his Autumn pre-Budget statement. The MP, who is the Lib Dem's spokesman on social security issues will lead off a debate on Monday afternoon on the Government's record on pensions. He will highlight not only the insulting 75p rise which pensioners received this year, but also the failure of the Government to address issues such as the number of pensioners who are forced to sell their homes to pay for nursing care in later life. Earlier in the day, Steve Webb will present a petition at Downing Street which has been collected by the Lib Dems around the country. The petition, which has already been signed by tens of thousands of people, calls for a substantial pension rise across-the-board, and highlights the Lib Dem call for larger increases for older pensioners who have lost out most in recent years.

Speaking in advance of the debate, Steve Webb said:

"We have been campaigning long and hard for a decent pension increase, and I will use the debate on Monday to put even more pressure on the Government. Pensioners have waited long enough for a fair pension, and it is time that the Government delivered."

The MP has visited pensioner's groups around Britain as part of the campaign and has received a warm response to all of his campaigning on behalf of pensioners. The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Chancellor to raise the basic pension by up to £15 per week, in addition to the normal annual increase for inflation and in addition to the other concessions to which pensioners are entitled.

Steve Webb said: "The public finances are clearly in very good shape and it is time that a significant sum was spent on the basic state pension. I hope that on Wednesday the Chancellor will respond to our longstanding campaign for a worthwhile rise in the pension".

** ENDS **