News story

6 November 2000

MP INCREASES THE PRESSURE ON PENSIONS

Northavon MP Steve Webb today led the main business of the House of Commons, a Lib Dem inspired debate about the failures of successive Governments to give a fair deal to pensioners. The MP had earlier in the day presented a petition containing tens of thousands of signatures to Downing Street calling on the Chancellor to announce a substantial pension rise in his pre-Budget statement on Wednesday.

In the debate, Steve Webb reflected on a recent survey of pensioners which showed that the majority do not trust Conservative promises for the future of state pensions because they remember the record of the Conservatives when in office. He also highlighted the way in which the Government has let down older people not only by this year’s 75p pension rise, but by the failure to fund the costs of long-term care in old age, and also by its failure to tackle ageism both in the workplace and in the NHS.

He then set out the Liberal Democrat blueprint for pension rises of up to £15 per week on top of the figures the Chancellor announces on Wednesday. Pensioners of all ages would benefit from the proposals but older pensioners would benefit particularly, in reflection of the fact that many of them are women with very modest pensions in their own right. In response, the Government challenged claims that they had failed to deliver for pensioners and hinted that Wednesday's announcement would bring a significant rise in pensions.

Speaking after the debate, Steve Webb said:

"I am proud to have been able to stand up again in the House of Commons and speak out on behalf of pensioners, many of whom feel bitterly let down by successive Governments. The pension should be increased by a worthwhile amount not just when there is an election round the corner but throughout the course of a whole Parliament. Nothing less will give pensioners the dignity which they deserve".

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