Pensioners get less today than in 1950 say Lib Dems
December 5, 2007 12:00 AM
On the day that the Government has announced the level of benefits for next year, the Liberal Democrats have released figures showing that pensioners now receive less than in 1950.
The figures show that pensioners now receive only 15.9% of the average wage, compared to 18.4% in 1950.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander MP said:
"These figures are disgraceful. We have had a Labour government for ten years, and yet pensioners are getting even less than under Margaret Thatcher.
"With the convoluted Pension Credit failing to reach many pensioners, the Government should immediately restore the link between pensions and earnings as a first step towards providing a decent state pension.
"That the Government had over 250 benefit levels to increase is reflective of a system that is far too complicated.
"Labour's obsession with bureaucracy has made our benefits system a nightmare for those who truly need help. Genuine concerns about data security risk undermining benefit take up even further.
"Rather than continually adding further layers of complexity to the system, ministers should undertake radical reform and introduce a Single Working Age Benefit."
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