Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Campaign reply - Pensioner Poverty

Thank you for contacting me about Government support for pensioners.

 

The Government is fully committed to enabling older people to live with the dignity and respect they deserve. In April last year, the State Pension was increased by 10.1 per cent, in line with inflation. As a result, the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is over £3,050 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010. 

 

Regarding the uprating of the State Pension, the Government is maintaining the Triple Lock in full for 2024/25, meaning that in April 2024, the basic State Pension, new State Pension, and Pension Credit minimum guarantee will be uprated in line with September 2023 average earnings growth- 8.5 per cent.

 

Additionally, I am confident that the Government is providing substantial support for pensioners through the welfare system. The Government provides free bus passes and prescriptions; Winter Fuel Payments; and Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit. 

Moreover, as set out at Spring Budget, the Government is providing an additional £500 million of funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund in England to September 2024, bringing the total funding to £3 billion since October 2021.

 

I hope that this response reassures you that pensioners in the UK are being adequately supported and that the most vulnerable will continue to be protected.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

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