Allan Smith

I have been contacted today about a new report which states the elderly believe the Labour party look after them better than any other political group. I am obviously pleased Labour has been named as the best party for looking after our elderly, after all an extra £11-billion is being spent nationally on pensioners compared to when Labour came to power in 1997.  The basic state pension has increased above inflation since 2000 and I know fellow local pensioners value the annual Winter Fuel Payment to help pay their energy bills.

Locally we have introduced a scheme to allow pensioners to travel on buses for free at any time and in the near future we are looking to allow the elderly to swim in our pools free of charge.  Labour has lifted 2-million people nationally out of hardship since they came to power in 1997.  3.5-million pensioner households are now entitled to free TV licences, while there is a free flu inoculation for everyone over 65. Labour has restored free eye tests for 6.6-million pensioners aged 60 and over and 4.5-million senior citizens aged 75 or over qualify for free passports.

We have done a lot for our elderly but of course there is always more to do and we must not be complacent. The national press today is speculating even more measures will be announced next week and I look forward to the announcement.