Age UK responds to Conservatives’ pensioner pledge

In response to the Conservatives' pensioner pledge‚ Michelle Mitchell‚ Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said:

"The Conservatives' pledge to support pensioners and protect vital benefits is a welcome start. But today's commitments fall a long way short of offering real security in later life. We want to see radical reform of care in later life‚ a firm date for re-linking state pensions to earnings‚ and an end to forced retirement.

"Despite the high profile political posturing in recent weeks‚ we are still waiting for all the parties to put forward credible proposals for comprehensive social care reform. We urge them all to set out their plans in full ahead of the election in order to give voters a clear choice. The success of any party at the ballot box will depend on its commitment to act on the issues which are important to older people‚ such as care‚ poverty‚ respect‚ communities and the NHS."

"The Conservatives' plan to increase the State Pension Age earlier than expected to help fund their proposals will only serve to hit women and the poorest workers the hardest. Coming at such a short notice‚ this change will disrupt many people's legitimate expectations of their retirement and hit poor communities with low life expectancy the most."

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Notes to Editors

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. We will be known by our new name from Spring 2010. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland‚ Age Cymru and Age NI.