Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 28th April print edition.
A key measure of any society is how it treats its older members. Older people should live with the dignity and respect they deserve in later life. I welcome that, since 2010, more than 200,000 older people have been lifted out of absolute poverty.
This is in large part thanks to the Government introducing and maintaining the Triple Lock on State Pensions. This new financial year, the basic State Pension, the new State Pension and Pension Credit have been uprated in line with September 2023 average earnings growth - 8.5 per cent. In practice, that means a rise of £700 per year for a full basic State Pension and £900 per year for a full new State Pension. That brings the total increase over this Parliament to 31 per cent - almost a third. As a result of this uprating, in 2024-25, the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension will be £3,700 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010.
This has given great comfort and relief to many pensioners and also allowed those coming up to retirement to plan better. However, retiring can still be a daunting change of circumstances for many and even those who have been retired for some years, may still not be sure what further help and activities are out there for them.
That is why I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a Pensioners’ Fair, to inform residents about local support and activities for older people in our area. This will take place on Thursday, June 27th, between 10am and 1pm at the Town Hall in Uttoxeter. Already confirmed are organisations such as Staffordshire Healthwatch, Everyone Active Leisure Centre, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Alzheimer’s Society and Uttoxeter U3A. There will also be free tea and coffee too! This is set to be a very beneficial event to residents and I hope to see lots of people there!
