Liberal Democrats Welcome Pensions for Carers

5.09.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd May 2007

Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, has welcomed a government decision to accept a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Pensions Bill, which is currently going through Parliament. The effect of the government's decision will be to ensure that 40,000 more carers get the basic state pension, including an estimated 118 in Hereford.

Paul Keetch said,

"I am delighted that the government has conceded that their state pension plans prevented many carers from building an entitlement to the basic state pension and that they will take steps to put this right.

"Carers make a huge contribution and this must be recognised when they come to retire by the granting of a full pension.

"Under the new proposals, agreed to by the government, 40,000 more carers, who would have been unable to build up entitlement, will be credited with National Insurance Contributions and therefore will be eligible for a full state pension, including dozens here in Hereford.

Sarah Carr, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate said,

"I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats, working with groups including Carers UK, the Equal Opportunities Commission, Age Concern and Help the Aged, as well as MPs from other parties, have been able to achieve this valuable improvement to our pensions system."