Lib Dem success means fairer pensions for carers

Serena Tierney, Lib Dem PPC for Mid Sussex has welcomed a Lib Dem success in parliament that will means dozens of local carers will get a basic state pension.

The government has accepted a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Pensions Bill. This will mean that across the country 40,000 more carers will get the basic state pension, including an estimated 84 locally - East Grinstead (20), Burgess Hill (27), Haywards Heath (17)and the surrounding villages (20) .

Serena Tierney said,

"I am delighted that my Lib Dem parliamentary colleagues have finally persuaded the government to put an end to the mean practice that stopped many carers from building an entitlement to the basic state pension. It is good news that they will now take steps to put this right.

"Our community and many individuals in it depend on carers for a decent quality of life. They also save the government billions of pounds. It's only fair to recognise their contribution by entitling them to a full pension when they come to retire. The basic pension is little enough - to expect people who have cared for their family and friends for years to retire on less is outrageous.

"Thanks to the Lib Dems 40,000 carers who would not have been able to build up their pension entitlement will now be credited with National Insurance Contributions. Dozens here in Mid Sussex will now be eligible for a full state pension.

"This is a good result from the Liberal Democrats who worked with groups including Carers UK, the Equal Opportunities Commission, Age Concern and Help the Aged, as well as MPs from other parties, to achieve this small victory for people who make such a significant but unsung difference to so many others."

NOTES:

Further information on the amendment, which was originally proposed by Lorely Burt MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Women and Equality, is available on the Carers UK website (http://tinyurl.com/yq67x4) and on the Liberal Democrat website (http://tinyurl.com/2xuh6l).