Lib Dem manifesto to target pensioners
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pensioners would be hundreds of pounds better off under Liberal Democrat plans, the party claimed today.
Pensioners would be hundreds of pounds better off under Liberal Democrat plans, the party claimed today.
The party leader, Charles Kennedy, confirmed a long-standing package of measures for pensioners which he said was worth £6.7bn more than Labour's plans.
The main policy is a promise of a new "citizen's pension". Single pensioners over 75 would get more than £100 extra a month, and couples would get more than £140 extra.
Eventually, that increase would be rolled out to all of Britain's 10.7 million pensioners. But the Liberal Democrats say it would be too expensive to do it immediately. They will also scrap council tax, replacing it with a local income tax. They say eight million pensioners will benefit from the proposal and six million will pay no local tax at all.
Other plans would see the introduction of free personal care for the elderly, free off-peak local bus travel for pensioners and the scrapping of the current "arbitrary" retirement age.
The pension plans will cost £3bn a year. The party insists it will not need to put up taxes to foot the bill. Instead, it will re-prioritise £5bn of existing spending. The remaining £2bn will go on other areas such as education and policing.
Mr Kennedy said: "Our message to older citizens is that we recognise our debt to you. You have worked long and hard to build up our country. It is time to treat older citizens fairly. It is time for a real alternative approach."
A single pensioner over 75 would be at least £1,633 better off taking into account the pension and local income tax, according to party figures.
Couples over 75 would benefit by more than £2,302.
People who need personal care would, in effect, benefit by thousands of pounds.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments