Lib Dems to give £770 boost to over 13,000 pensioners in Hornsey & Wood Green

13,560 pensioners living in Hornsey & Wood Green will receive at least an extra £772 per year under Liberal Democrat manifesto plans to protect the 'triple lock' for state pensions.

Thanks to the triple lock guarantee, secured by the Liberal Democrats when they were in government, the basic state pension has risen in each year by whichever is the higher of earnings, prices or a rate of 2.5%. However, the Conservatives have refused to guarantee whether the triple lock will continue, raising fears it could be scrapped.

The Liberal Democrats have committed today to keeping the triple lock, meaning the state pension would be worth at least £137.15 a week by 2021, up from £122.30 in 2017, or an extra £772 a year.

This would be paid for in part by restricting perks such as the winter fuel allowance so they are no longer paid to the wealthiest pensioners.

Dawn Barnes, Liberal Democrat candidate for Hornsey & Wood Green, said:

"Protecting the triple lock will mean an extra £772 a year by 2021 for the 13,560 people receiving the state pension in this constituency. The Liberal Democrats are making a clear commitment to older people in Hornsey & Wood Green, unlike the Conservatives who have repeatedly refused to give this guarantee.

“Labour had 13 years to restore the earnings link to pensions which Margaret Thatcher severed in 1980. The Liberal Democrats restored the link to earnings within six weeks of getting into government. The triple lock has succeeded in lifting thousands of pensioners out of poverty, but many are still struggling to get by.

"An important test of a civilised society is the way in which it cares for the elderly. This commitment will ensure older people are able to meet their basic needs and that their living standards will be protected, especially with prices set to rise in the coming years."

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