Pensions: There is something wrong with our pensions – the recent pensions crisis is a perfect example. People are losing confidence in the whole system and understandably questioning the viability of saving. This needs to be reversed. Working towards a Citizen’s Pension we will simplify and improve the system. We will do this by restoring the earnings link to the basic state pension and bring in a citizens pension that will reduce the number of pensioners facing means testing in retirement from up to 50% to less than 10% restoring the incentive to save.
Elderly Welfare: There needs to be a concerted effort to provide care and support through a just and fair welfare system to elderly individuals who need state help. No one should have to struggle alone. Encouraging locally based elderly health care and support services is key to creating a better environment to live in old age.
Mark Oaten