Pensioners and carers to benefit from Liberal Democrat policies in the Queen's Speech
Thousands of pensioners as well as those who need care and their carers stand to benefit from today's Queen's Speech, with a fair flat-rate pension for all and a reform of social care announced.
The Care Bill will put fairness back into social care funding, ensuring people do not have to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for care by capping costs as recommended by the independent Dilnot Commission. It will also extend the means-test threshold for financial assistance.
To support carers, councils will have to assess what support they need to manage their own lives and provide services to those who need them.
The Queen also announced a reform of the pensions system, ending the confusion state pension provision by introducing a single, flat-rate pension. This is in addition to the triple lock, championed by the Liberal Democrats, which has ensured record rise in the state pension of £12.50 a week since 2010. The triple lock will continue to safeguard an increase in the state pension in line with earnings, inflation or 2.5% - whichever is higher.
Cares will also benefit from the new flat-rate state pension, even if they take time out of work to support relatives.
Commenting, Bill Newton Dunn said:
"The Queen's Speech shows the influence Liberal Democrats have in the Coalition Government. Our priority to build a stronger economy in a fairer society is clear in these reforms.
"For too long, pensioners and those who need care have received a raw deal and the previous Labour government refused to act and take responsibility. Instead, Gordon Brown gave pensioners an insulting 75p rise in their state pension.
"Today's reforms will ensure thousands in the East Midlands will have dignity in old age with a fair, single-tier pension and peace of mind by protecting them from catastrophic costs for their care.
"That's the fairness the Liberal Democrats are ensuring is at the heart of this Coalition Government."
The Facts
The Care Bill will implement a cap of £72,000 in April 2016 on the amount people will have to pay for care in their lifetime.
The Coalition Government is increasing the threshold for means testing from £23,250 to £118,000 in April 2016, a fourfold increase that will mean that people get state support far earlier than they do now. It also means that the system will not only help the very poorest, but people of modest wealth as well.
The Pensions Bill will introduce a single-tier pension system, bring forward the increase in State Pension age to 67 and lay the framework for its regular review. It will also provide for the automatic transfer of small dormant pension pots and reform bereavement benefits.