DEDUCTIONS FROM PENSION AFTER A HOSPITAL STAY

Early day motion 439, tabled 18 December 2002 by Alan Simpson (Labour). Signed by 58 members.

That this House acknowledges the Government's decision to relax the rules which reduce the state pension after a stay in hospital from six to 13 weeks; reaffirms the view that such a change does not fully address the unfairness of such deductions; notes that cutting pensioners' income when in hospital comes at a time when they are at their most vulnerable as well as still having ongoing household costs to meet, and causes unnecessary worry and concern; and supports the National Pensioners Convention in calling on the Government to end this practice as a matter of urgency.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 14, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2.