Labour pledges not to raise pension age, promises benefits for elderly voters

Key Points:

Labour's pensions chief, Liz Kendall, reassures voters that there are no plans to increase the state retirement age

Promises include unclogging NHS appointments and aiding older renters with housebuilding initiatives

Labour leader Keir Starmer launches campaign to appeal to elderly voters

Criticism of Tory tax breaks for pensioners and promises to address cost-of-living concerns

Elderly residents show support for Labour's initiatives at campaign event in Bolton

Labour's pensions chief, Liz Kendall, has made a pledge to voters that the party does not intend to raise the state retirement age. This assurance comes as part of a campaign event in Bolton, where Kendall promised to address key issues affecting older citizens. She highlighted plans to free up NHS appointments and kickstart a housebuilding initiative to assist older renters in getting on the property ladder. Despite this, Labour has chosen not to follow the Conservative party in offering tax breaks for pensioners.

Currently, the government plans to increase the pension age from 66 to 67 in 2026-28 and to 68 in 2044-46. Kendall confirmed at the event that there are no further plans to raise the state pension age beyond these levels. She emphasized the importance of allowing people to enjoy more years of a good life.

Labour leader Keir Starmer also joined Kendall in Bolton to engage with elderly voters. The campaign aims to address concerns such as the rising cost of living and failing public services. The event saw support from former Tory voters, including one resident who expressed her decision to switch to Labour due to issues with NHS waiting times.

Overall, Labour's focus on addressing key concerns for elderly voters and their commitment to not raising the pension age could prove to be influential as they aim to secure support in upcoming elections.