Support for older people in our local communities is of great importance to me, particularly as MP for the constituency of Congleton which has a higher than constituency average number of older residents. We are fortunate to have many community groups engaging with and supporting older residents and I put on record my thanks and appreciation to them all.
The Government is also fully committed to enabling older people to live with the dignity and respect they deserve. In April, the State Pension was increased by 10.1 per cent, in line with inflation. As a result, the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension will be over £3,050 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010.
Regarding the uprating of the State Pension, the Government is maintaining the Triple Lock in full for 2024/25, meaning that in April 2024, the basic State Pension, new State Pension, and Pension Credit minimum guarantee will be uprated in line with September 2023 average earnings growth- 8.5 per cent.
The Government provides free bus passes and prescriptions; Winter Fuel Payments; and Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit. The Government is also providing targeted support through the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, to be paid to all households in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments.
Furthermore, all pensioners will benefit from the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). Although energy prices are currently below the level at which EPG payments would be made, it will remain in force until April 2024 to protect households from price spikes, putting in place a safety net for the most vulnerable.
Moreover, an additional £1 billion of funding will be provided to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) this financial year, bringing total funding to £2.5 billion. I welcome that since its launch in October 2021, the HSF has issued early 26 million awards to those in need of support.
Fiona Bruce MP
January 2024
