Martyn Jones

Labour Party | Clwyd South

MP Will Continue To Push For Pensioners

Martyn Jones MP for Clwyd South fully supports the Labour party’s commitment to further improving the lives of pensioners.

Since the Labour party has formed a government, approximately 3.2 million pensioners have benefited from the Pension Credit, in which no pensioner lives on less than £109 a week.  Along with this aid to pensioners, the basic state pension has increased by 7% over-and-above inflation, and pensioners over age 75 have received free TV licenses.  Also, all pensioners have received the tax free winter fuel payment of £200 with those over 80 having received £300.

These are just some of the benefits that the Government has provided to pensioners, and the Labour party has committed to doing even more should it win the majority in the next general election.
 
Along with committing itself to pensioners’ benefits, the Labour party has pledged to tackle age discrimination. 

Many people are living longer and healthier lives, and the party wants to provide more opportunities for those older people who want to continue working as there is much to benefit from the knowledge and experience of older employees.  Yet, the challenge lies with those who do wish to work but are caring for a sick or elderly relative so that balancing work and care-giving becomes nearly impossible.  Therefore, Labour has proposed to extend the right to request flexible working to carers. 

The Tories have been criticised for their introduction of VAT on fuel bills and elimination of free eye-tests during their years in government.  But it was the current government that returned free eye-tests and reduced the VAT on fuel to the lowest rate possible as set by EU law.

Labour has pledged to continue with pensioners benefits by continuing to invest in the NHS and not to subsidise private operations.  It will endorse the Pension Protection Fund so that no pensioner suffers when their company folds, and will pay an additional £200 to households with one person over age 65 who is expected to pay Council Tax.

Commenting on the Party’s commitment, Mr. Jones said:

“I am proud to say that Wales is setting the way to take better care of our elders, as our pensioners already benefit from free bus travel and free swimming.

“This Government has reduced pensioner poverty and with a third term in the future pensioners can expect further improvement.  Living standards for pensioners under the Tories were deplorable, but I assure that with a Labour government, pensioners will never again have to fear returning to that disheartening state.”