Chris Kane Celebrates Boost for Thousands of Pensioners in Stirling and Strathallan

Millions saw their state pension rise by up to £470 per year. This is thanks to the government’s commitment to the state pension triple lock, which saw the basic and new state pension rise by 4.1% yesterday (6 April). 18,385 pensioners in Stirling and 35,994 in Perth and Kinross are set to receive a pay boost from this rise, up to £470 per year.

Chris has welcomed the news, highlighting how the government’s commitment to the triple lock has delivered this extra cash for pensioners and is set to deliver around £1,900 over the course of this parliament.

The Labour Government is committed to the pensions triple lock, which guarantees that the
The state pension goes up each year by the highest of 2.5%, inflation, or earnings growth, for the
The whole of the parliament – at a cost of £30bn.

This news comes as the government continues the biggest ever drive to ensure those eligible for
Pension Credit is receiving it, resulting in an 81% increase in claims. Nearly fifty thousand extra
pensioners are receiving Pension Credit following the campaign to boost uptake, and DWP has
now processed a record number of claims. Pension Credit is worth on average £4,300 a year and
also unlocks support including help with Housing Costs, Council Tax and free television licenses.

Commenting on the rise, Chris stated: “This rise in the state pension is a real boost for over 20,000 pensioners across Stirling and Strathallan. Thanks to Labour’s commitment to the triple lock, pensioners will see up to £470 more in their pockets this year. Over the course of this Parliament, that means almost £2,000 extra support, and it’s money that will make a real difference. I’ll also keep working hard to make sure everyone who’s entitled to support like Pension Credit is getting it.

“This increase comes in the same week that the lowest paid workers got a pay rise, with the minimum wage increasing to £12.21 per hour for those over 21 and £10 an hour for those aged 18-20. Labour is delivering a real boost for those who need it most.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:
“Today’s state pension boost will be incredibly welcome news for the millions of pensioners across our country, putting up to £470 extra in their pockets. This Labour Government is committed to delivering for our pensioners – ensuring their financial stability through the triple lock, fixing our public
services, and targeting support towards those who need it most.”

Whilst there has been a significant uptake in Pension Credit claims, there are still people of are eligible and have yet to claim. Visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility to check if you are eligible.