ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE STATE PENSION

Early day motion 417, tabled 13 January 2009 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 52 members.

That this House notes the centenary anniversary of the state pension being established as a foundation of support for older people; notes that in 1909 half a million people over 70 years were awarded their five shillings a week and now over 12 million are eligible, with 700,000 more people due to reach pensionable age in 2009; recognises that the basic state pension is worth four times in real terms the amount received in 1909; commends the Government for the extra help offered to today's pensioners in terms of free bus travel, the winter fuel payment and the £60 payment due this year; but calls on the Government to continue to extend the financial help and services available for pensioners; and looks forward to the state pension continuing to provide financial security for pensioners for decades to come.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.