Shocking

Since the new state pension system was introduced in 2017, the full state pension 2024-2025 has been set at £221.20 per week. This amount creates difficulties for many pensioners trying to qualify for pension credit. To be eligible, a single person’s weekly income must not exceed £218.15, and for couples, it must be below £332.95. As a result, many pensioners receiving the full state pension of £221.20 find their income just above the threshold, disqualifying them from  pension credit support.

This situation is especially harsh for those without private pensions. Many older workers were led to believe that their national insurance contributions would guarantee a comfortable retirement. In the past, private pensions were largely inaccessible to most people, unless they were employed by the government, local authorities or the NHS, where they were provided as an additional benefit. Given the low wages many people earned in the past, investing in a private pension was often financially impossible unless their employer offered it.

With workplace pensions only becoming mandatory in 2012, countless retirees now rely solely on the state pension of £221.20 per week, a sum that falls far short of covering their financial needs and provides no additional support. Consequently, many pensioners are now compelled to seek work, if their health permits, just to make ends meet. The true character of a country is revealed by how it cares for its elderly, children, and most vulnerable.

When I was a very young lad in the late 50's early 60's our school would raise food hampers for local elderly people at Xmas, some of whom were in abject poverty; being cold and having little to eat was commonplace. One of my tasks was to deliver the hampers and I remember very clearly, even though it was almost 60 years ago, a couple bursting into tears on their doorstep when I handed over the hamper. It upset me greatly and when I went to bed that night and no-one could see me I had to have a good cry to get it out of my system. It upsets me now to see people struggling and worrying, so I am wondering what has changed throughout all these years? It is true that the poverty of the 50's and 60's no longer exists but people still find it hard to make ends meet and it simply isn't fair that if you have a few pennies over the state pension you don't get the winter fuel allowance. There should be some sort of financial buffer zone. I am not at all concerned about wealthy pensioners; they can afford to pay their bills. I am concerned for those pensioners who are just a little over the limit, for whom large winter bills may be difficult to pay.