Rt. Hon. John F. Spellar MP

15th December 2009

WARLEY MP JOHN SPELLAR Welcomes GOVERMENT Support for PENSIONERS

John Spellar Labour MP for Warley  has welcomed the Government’s continuing support for pensioners.

The Pre-Budget report announced a 2.5% increase in the basic state pension.

John Spellar MP said:

“I warmly welcome the action taken to help pensioners in the Pre-Budget Report – including the 2.5% rise in the basic state pension from April 2010.

“We are also making sure that pensioners need never worry about heating costs.

“We have extended the increase in Cold Weather Payments to £25 a week to this winter. And this winter, pensioners will also receive an extra £50 alongside their winter fuel payment – and an extra £100 if they are over 80.”

The Pre-Budget Report:

Increases the full basic state pension by £2.40 to £97.65 a week in April 2010.

Increases the full couples pension by £3.85 to £156.15 in April 2010.

Boosts the pension guarantee – from April 2010, a single pensioner will be guaranteed an income of £132.60, a rise of £2.60, while a couple will be guaranteed £202.40, a rise of £3.95 a week.

Extends the increase in Cold Weather Payments to £25 a week to this winter.