News story

25th February 2002

Concession On Pension Cuts In Hospital - "A Miserly Concession From A Miserly Government"

Steve Webb MP, Liberal Democrat spokesman on work and pensions, responding to the Government's announcement that pension cuts for people in hospital will now be made after 13 weeks instead of 6 weeks as at present, said:

"This is a miserly concession from a miserly Government to our campaign for justice for people in hospital. There is an issue of principle at stake here. People have paid for their pensions all their lives. Pensions should not be taken away in peoples' hour of need.

"Because of "bed blocking" many pensioners are stuck in hospital who would dearly love to be back home. After 13 weeks, these people will still have their pensions cut.

"The Government has no evidence that people save money by being in hospital. Until the Government can provide evidence, they should stop all benefit cuts for the sick.

"Only today, the Government has admitted that it has raised £2.5 billion more in National Insurance this year than it expected. This sum would allow them to stop cutting pensions and benefits for hospital inpatients for the next decade or more. This shows just how miserly this so-called concession really is".

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