PENSION UPRATING

Early day motion 2, tabled 6 December 2000 by Paul Flynn (Labour). Signed by 46 members.

That this House congratulates the Government on the April 2001 pension uprating which, for the first time in over 25 years, will exceed the percentage increases in both prices and average earnings; welcomes the changes proposed in the minimum income guarantee to ensure that all pensioners benefit from the pension increase; notes the Government Actuary's advice that despite the proposed cuts in employers' contributions, the balance in the National Insurance Fund will be sufficient to pay for pension increases in line with earnings until 2007; and urges the Government to restore the link with earnings so that the basic pension will remain a dependable foundation on which people of all ages can build for their retirement.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Labour/Co-operative 3, Liberal Democrat 1, UUP 1.