observer Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Must be something in this "Grey Power" thing - seems the ConDems are to boost ALL State Pensions to ?140pw, which will allow them to scrap means testing - they must think the Grumpies are the only folk that still vote! Pity the rise will no doubt be swallowed up by increased care charges due to cuts in Council funding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter T Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Not seen the story, but won't that be a good thing, to help off-set some of the burden that will be caused by the increase on VAT? Aren't you a pensioner yet obs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted October 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Yep, but it's in one hand and out the other - and will it cover - VAT rises, Council Tax rises/charges and care costs? Ooops forgot, care may be free, due to the "big society" doing it for nowt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverlady54 Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Don't forget you keep your free bus pass and TV licence (if you are over 75) plus having the senior railcard and fuel allowance ........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Durnim Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Talking demographics... It will soon come to pass that there will be more people over 50 than under it, therefore the voting will be influenced by the power of grey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted October 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Just heard it mentioned on the news, that the new pension will be based on British residency - so does that mean the ex-Pats will dip out?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted October 25, 2010 Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 The pension rise is supposed to be being implemented just before the next election scheduled for 2015. Say no more... it sounds just like a sweetner to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted October 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2010 Whilst the Gov's thrust to simply the benefits system can be applauded; as with most things, the Devil is in the detail: The current system is means tested, complex and beaurocratic mess; with millions of pensioners NOT claiming their full entitlements (to pension credit for example). However, on the other side of this coin; a standard flat rate pension for all, REGARLESS of NI contributions, could be seen as a charter for the feckless, at a time when the Gov are trying to encourage savers (bit wasted on the grumpies dodging the grim reaper though!). What they need to consider is, do ALL grumpies vote; and which group form the majority of that vote? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverlady54 Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 It did make me wonder what would be the point of paying N.I. if it didn't count towards your pension? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted October 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 Precisely the thought it will produce in young workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfie Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 And if you retire or are retired before 2015 you don't get the increased pension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 Now that's not fair... I thought they were increasing everyones basic allowance ie 'everyone' who receives a pension Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfie Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 Apparantly not Diz. Someone who has worked all his life and paid up his National Insurance contributions who retires 1 day before the implementation of the new pension in 2015 will get the basic pension of ?97 at today's rates, wherehas the chap who has lived on benefits all his life and paid no National Insurance who retires 1 day after the implementation will get ?140. But we are all in it together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 There always has to be a cut off unfortunately, that's the way it is. When you buy a car and then the following day or week they realease the same model with a sat nav built in for a thousand quid less, would you expect a free upgrade? (or would you actually get one should be the comment!) I won't retire for a long time after that so plenty of time for the Liebour lot to get in, bankrupt the country again and leave me with no state pension at all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 Well in that case Wolfie I recon all the pensioners who will miss out on the increase should revolt. It should be the same amount for everyone after all it is a STATE pension and not a private one so there should be no difference in allowance rates or payments. Gosh everyone will be falling out over it and it will be walking sticks at 10 paces at the post office Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted October 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 There is the basic State Pension, PLUS an addition depending on one's record of NI contributions. Those who have paid NI all their working lives who receive a drop in their expected pension, will be none too pleased to see the feckless getting the same pension - and no doubt will vote accordingly. Meanwhile, youngsters will see absolutely no point in paying NI at all. Oh what a tangled web we weave etc! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 Well I'm certainly not weaving it Obs are you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted October 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 30, 2010 Robbie Burns dear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.