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25/10/2006
Pensioners to protest at Westminster
Pensioners are to protest at Westminster today to demand an increase in the state pension.
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) says "the government's white paper on pensions contains nothing of immediate benefit to today's pensioners".
The pensioners will be demanding a £30 a week increase which means they will receive £114.50.
NPC General Secretary, Joe Harris, said: "Already one in five older people live below the poverty line and millions more are being forced into hardship by rising fuel and council tax bills.
"The question therefore is not whether the country can afford to provide a decent state pension for everyone, but whether MPs have the political will to do the decent thing. It's our job to convince them they must."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said tackling pensioner poverty had been the government's "first priority".
A spokesperson for the DWP said: "Today, no pensioner should be living on less than £114 per week, compared to £69 per week ten years ago.
"On average, pensioner households are £1,400 a year - £26 a week - better off in 2006-07, because of tax and benefit changes, than under the 1997 system. A pensioner is now less likely to be on a low income than people of working age."
(CD)
The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) says "the government's white paper on pensions contains nothing of immediate benefit to today's pensioners".
The pensioners will be demanding a £30 a week increase which means they will receive £114.50.
NPC General Secretary, Joe Harris, said: "Already one in five older people live below the poverty line and millions more are being forced into hardship by rising fuel and council tax bills.
"The question therefore is not whether the country can afford to provide a decent state pension for everyone, but whether MPs have the political will to do the decent thing. It's our job to convince them they must."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said tackling pensioner poverty had been the government's "first priority".
A spokesperson for the DWP said: "Today, no pensioner should be living on less than £114 per week, compared to £69 per week ten years ago.
"On average, pensioner households are £1,400 a year - £26 a week - better off in 2006-07, because of tax and benefit changes, than under the 1997 system. A pensioner is now less likely to be on a low income than people of working age."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
