Lid Dems offer more pension money

Over 75s would have their state pensions increased by up to 25 a week under plans being unveiled by the Liberal Democrats today.

15:42 07 September 2004

Over 75s would have their state pensions increased by up to 25 a week under plans being unveiled by the Liberal Democrats today.

The Citizens Pension, which would restore the link with earnings, would see single over 75s receive an extra 25 a week and couples an extra 33.70 a week.

Party leader Charles Kennedy said the plan would lift one million pensioners out of means testing.

It is part of a detailed policy on pensions launched by the party, which also proposes reforms to occupational pensions, private pensions and the retirement age.

The Citizens Pension is intended to tackle poverty amongst the over 75s, who are typically the poorest pensioners and predominantly female.

It would particularly benefit women who were unable to build up their National Insurance Contributions as a result of caring for their children at home instead of working.

"Overnight we will lift one million pensioners out of means testing and we will ensure an extra 25 a week on the basic state pension for single pensioners," said Mr Kennedy.

"Many pensioners are missing out on a decent pension because of the complexity of the government's Pension Credit. Our Citizen's Pension will give people a decent pension as a right without needless form filling and bureaucracy."

Occupational pensions would be reformed through the creation of a kitemark system and by making them "opt out" schemes rather than "opt in" schemes, ensuring that employees made a conscious decision not to save.

Incentives to save would be increased by reducing means testing, removing the requirement to buy an annuity at 75 and offering new low-cost pensions run by National Savings.

Employers would also be forced to scrap retirement ages and a "flexible decade of retirement" would be introduced enabling workers to claim part of their pension while working part-time.