Labour’s reforms ensure that both today’s and tomorrow’s pensioners can enjoy dignity and security in retirement.

This is working locally:
for lifelong learners aged 60+ during the year 08/09 the retention, achievement and success rates were higher than any other age group, indicating learner satisfaction.

Concessionary rates of 50% to those on state pensions and additional discounts for library members of 10% have been maintained despite increases in charges by some neighbouring boroughs.

See how Labour compares:

Labour’s policies Tory Government
  • A minimum income guarantee for all pensioners of £130 a week for single pensioners and £198 for couples
  • 1 million pensioners lifted out of poverty since 1997.
  • The average pensioner household is £1,500 better off in real terms than in 1997, with the poorest third of pensioners are £2,200 better off.

In 1997 the poorest pensioners had to survive on just £69 a week.

Pre 1997 millions of workers were persuaded to opt out of SERPs and company pensions.
1.5 million people were mis-sold private pensions that made them worse off

The basic state pensions has risen by more than inflation and more people qualify for full state pensions.
The qualification for full state pension from 44 years for men and 39 for women to 30 years for both, giving half a million more women a full state pension.

… have promised cut to the Work and Pensions budget and would do nothing to help the most vulnerable in these tough times.
The value of the state pension would be reduced

Free eye tests and free local bus travel for all over 60’s and free off peak national bus travel.
Free TV licences for 4.5 million over 75yrs.
Cold weather payments have trebled with over £100million paid out over 08/09

… Have not said where the cuts would fall, but these could include reducing the times and places bus passes could be used, increased means testing for benefits and cuts in cold weather payments, putting peoples’ lives at risk