Government urged to help pensioners

Older people’s campaigners have urged the government to provide immediate help to pensioners given the longer-term implications of its Pensions Bill, published today.

Help the Aged head of public affairs Mervyn Kohler repeated longstanding demands for an immediate increase in the basic state pension, though welcomed elements of the bill.

The legislation will allow for the state pension to be increased in line with earnings from 2012, increase the pension age to 68 by 2050 and improve support for carers and women.