Kennedy promises better deal for the elderly
Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, today said it was “high time” that Britain’s pensioners were treated with the respect they deserved by politicians.
Launching the Lib Dems manifesto for older people he argued that it was necessary to make “real changes” to the pension system in order to enhance fairness.
Their older people’s policy rests upon three key strands – the creation of a Citizen’s Pension, scrapping the Council Tax, and introducing free long-term personal care for the elderly.
Mr Kennedy said: “It’s high time that Britain’s pensioners were treated with the respect they deserve by politicians.
Branding the level of pensioner poverty “inexcusable” and highlighting the “scandal” of the situation faced by many female pensioners, he said: “We need to make real changes to our pension system.”
He said a Citizen’s Pension, based on residency not National Insurance contributions would “do away with the unfairness and the discrimination” endured by women who had incomplete national insurance contributions. The Liberal Democrats wished to extend this to all pensioners, but Mr Kennedy acknowledged that it would be “a hugely expensive commitment”.
As such, the first priority would be pensioners over the age of 75.
“Our promise, at this election, will be to add over £100 extra a month for a single pensioner over 75, and over £140 extra a month for a pensioner couple in that category. That will make a real difference to people in such circumstances.”
Mr Kennedy said the promise would be funding not through tax rises, but through re-prioritising existing expenditure.
The promises were welcomed by Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged.
He said that its MORI poll indicated that there are 1.76 million over-65s who have not yet decided how to vote and urged all political parties to take note.
Mr Kohler added: “The Liberal Democrats deserve applause for their package of measures aimed at addressing the needs of older people. The way the UK treats its pensioners is a disgrace, and these proposals hold out the prospect of serious improvement.”
