Older voters to be guaranteed free bus passes and TV licences!

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Today Ed Miliband  is set to announce that if Labour get into power they will provide older voters with guaranteed free bus passes and TV licences for the term of the next government.

He also pledged action on pension reform and fuel prices and will restate Labours policy of removing winter fuel allowance from pensioners who have incomes of more than £42,000 per annum. The latest polls show that the majority of over 65s in the UK intend to vote Conservative in the forthcoming election at 48% with 24% saying they intend to vote Labour.

The Conservatives have pledged to keep all benefits for older people including free eye tests. They and Labour also guarantee pension incomes will keep pace with inflation or increase at 2.5% per annum, whichever is the highest.

The Liberal democrats have said they would stop entitlements to the UK’s wealthiest pensioners by removing winter fuel allowance and free TV licences to those pensioners paying tax at 40%.

Will this new proposal make a difference to how you vote?  Do you currently get a free bus pass? What are your views on the different parties pledges? What would you like to see pledged?

Will this new proposal make a difference to how you vote?

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Retiredguy
3rd Apr 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
I already have a free bus pass and the TV licence is no stretch to pay for.
Mr Milliband is possibly clutching at straws with this proposal.
Could not imagine him running the country, we'd be in a right old mess in double-quick time and no mistake.
Capriann
2nd Apr 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
If your 'income' puts you in the 40% tax band you certainly don't need a winter fuel allowance &/or bus pass. This money should go towards job creation for the next working generation.
hartland
28th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
How anyone could think that this man has the ability to run
this wonderful country of ours is beyond belief Balls and Miliband
have absolutely no credibility at all there past record is proof enough
Westminster
9th Mar 2015
7
Thanks for voting!
Means testing of Pensioner's benefits would cost more than it would save. Many Pensioners have fluctuating incomes which would mean one year they qualified for the various benefits, then one year they don't. In the terms of Public Spending and the Deficit these benefits are irrelevant.
Just consider that tonight MPs are to enshrine in law that we must spend 0.7% of our Gross Domestic Product on Foreign Aid, that currently equates to 12 billion pounds.
Why are people worrying about Pensioner's benefits, people who have worked and paid Income Tax and National Insurance all their working lives, many started work at 15.
The wealth of our country should be spent on UK people rather than foreigners with their corrupt regimes.
SovereignInventory
9th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
We should be spending more of our GDP on defence not cutting it - I read recently that the Indian Govt are spending billions on aircraft carriers & submarines how much foreign aid do we still give India? Do we still give foreign aid to China?
Robert2706
14th Mar 2015
3
Thanks for voting!
I expect the 0.7% was a target set by the EU. Why should we stick to this when there is no guarantee that the money donated will ever get to the poor that need the help. Better to spend it on clearing a part of the deficit.
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
7
Thanks for voting!
If UKIP were to win the May Election, you can kiss goodbye to the NHS, as you would under the self-serving Tories. Farage is an ex-Tory rich boy and, in my opinion, is as dangerous as Cameron
redskins
9th Mar 2015
4
Thanks for voting!
They won't win the election but they will put up more of a fight than the liberal did if we get into that situation and who wants to be run by Brussels
SovereignInventory
8th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
Can the people on here who say they will vote for UKIP please tell me what UKIP's policies are other than getting the UK out of the European Union & wanting to bring back smoking in pubs? What and who do they speak for?
sandywords
7th Mar 2015
8
Thanks for voting!
I think all the politicians want is to feather their own nests . I do agree that more benefit cuts are in order. Let's start with the House of Lords, the biggest load of scroungers . Why should I subsidise them on the pittance I get. I worked damned hard for my pensions and always paid my taxes. I still pay taxes on the money I paid taxes on etc.etc.
minty
9th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Boy do I agree with you sandywords get rid of the house of lords !!
tom
7th Mar 2015
6
Thanks for voting!
if you have pension income of over £50,000 you should not get any benifits.
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
3
Thanks for voting!
I'm okay then, I live on under £9,000 per year and having £5 - £10 a month too much money to claim pension credit, my savings are just about gone. I worry what will happen next
suzzylg@sky .com
20th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
In principle I can see sense in what you say but What about pensioners who suddenly become very Ill and need constant care for several years, £50,000 would be a drop in the ocean for those who have to go into care homes and not all will own homes that can be sold
Robert2706
7th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
there are no guarantees that they will honour their pledges
redskins
7th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
Labour have lied to us and took all the money The conservatives have lied to us and given the Average man a rough time the liberals have lied to us so there is only one thing to do.Vote UKIP at least let them stick there oar in.The rest of the other parties want to be part of the action and get something for themselves.
old biddy
7th Mar 2015
8
Thanks for voting!
I find it difficult to believe or trust any of them,Promises are made and broken as soon as they are elected.
wpshark
7th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
The only problem that I have with Cameron et al is that they are stealing from the needy and poorest to fund their rich Etonian cronies.
The Bedroom Tax is a travesty of justice and the shambles in the DWP has caused thousands of disabled and needy people much strife.
Ed Miliband is NOT an option......can you imagine him representing our country?
What we need is a total change, away from all the old - boy clubs, with people who are more realistic in power.
UKIP is more like that but still need to grow.
So, in my humble opinion, we will have a Tory/UKIP coalition.
rudgy
8th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
God help us .Tory /UKIP. You must be mad ,the likes of UKIP are more left wing than the other bunch of rogues.
time for change
7th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
For many years now I have been disengaged with the current lot of politicians to the point whenever I vote I cast a blank ballot paper. Most of them have never had a real job, most are so out of touch they have not got a clue what its like at the bottom & this current lot seem to HATE people who need benefits to live on, bedroom tax, need I say anymore. So we now have a General Election. We are yet again being promised the earth with jam today & jam tomorrow. Now the tories are promising that free bus passes for senior citizens will remain. The mere fact that they discussed taking them away says it all, who next 'call me dave' the disabled lets face it we can all work even through you not able to. As for Labour, well they think that we are stupid as some labour peers have said so & I ready do not like this attitude of we will blame all our mistakes on the others! Many of us have worked hard all our lives & paid our taxes, unlike some who can get away with it. Many have had to deal with the effects of redundancy, the loss of our homes & have had rely on food-banks. We need a new deal, we are the voters, you represent us not your own self interest. We are now all going to be faced with a choice of who governs next. It will be a hung Parliament many of the smaller parties will hold the balance of power. I certainly will be voting for one of the smaller parties as its time to break this strangle hold that the two main parties have crushed us for years. The Native American Indians have a saying "White man he speak with forked tongue", the same goes for the London elite. So who will I be voting for UKIP now the true one nation party so much so that I am member.
rudgy
9th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Those rose tinted glasses on again .UKIP very right wing Tories .
minty
9th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
Oh dear time for change I am sorry but I think you are living in cloud cuckoo land !
GrahamW
7th Mar 2015
-3
Thanks for voting!
Do I want the UK to borrow and have MORE debt - NO.
Do I TRUST Miliband -NO.
Do I TRUST ANY pre election garble - NO.
Have we as a NATION improved sine the LAST ELECTION -
YES - YES - YES
Say no more!
SovereignInventory
6th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
We need another Guy Fawkes
joycee
6th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
I think we should trust the conservatives to carry on with their policies for the next few years. The economy is growing steadily, and they have just about cleared up the mess that the last Labour government left behind. But they should stop imposing their ideas on the education system, stop changing the goalposts, let the teachers and pupils get on with what they're doing. Also they should forget these television debates too, as all they do is criticise each other etc etc. Most people should be able to make their mind up without watching a pantomime.
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
4
Thanks for voting!
God forbid joycee, you might be able to afford private health care, but the majority can't... and you say the economy is growing???? South of Watford it may be, but then they don't need food banks down there do they!! It's interesting that up to the last three/four months the Tories have always said that the Labour Party caused the financial mess, now though, they talk about the 'worldwide financial crash'. Open your eyes lady, if the Tories get back in we're doomed!!!!
ironpot
6th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
UKIP I think, for me. This present lot are the most corrupt and slimy we've had for a very very long time. I think the last time the population were actually as afraid of their own government was in Oliver Cromwell's times......
rudgy
8th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Gosh two mad people on this site .Ukip oh no .
sweetapplecheeks
6th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
I think there has to be flexibility about "free" things. I'm 63 and still working yet am eligible for a free bus pass. That doesn't feel right to me.
I'd like to see somebody in any political party take on the big energy companies and get the price of gas and electricity down to affordable levels for everyone especially the elderly and infirm. My husband had a massive heart attack last October and feels the cold terribly so I going to get a massive bill for gas soon. It irks me to read about the massive profits that these companies make yet none of it seems to be being invested into cheaper fuel options. I know companies need to make profit to stay in business but the amount sometimes seems excessive.
Archiebald
6th Mar 2015
4
Thanks for voting!
I agree the profits the energy companies and those like the water companies are excessive. They need to spend profits on new infrastructure and also new energy sources. When the water companies were privatised the existing top management had their salaries increased multiple times.....how can that be right???
Bazza
6th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
I will certainly not be voting Labour. I made the huge mistake of doing that when Blair got in. Never ever again. Can not trust them. Brown stole our pensions. He even sold the gold as they & the un controlled bankers nearly bankrupted the UK economy. It's simple you can not trust Milliband who hardly comes across as a world leader. The Tories & coalition have got the country back on its feet again.Fastest growing economy country apart from China. The Conservatives will turn this country around just got to give them the chance to finish the job. An excellent chancellor made some very good but tough decisions. Cameron is & appears a respected world leader.
I am semi retired & thank him for releasing my pension options early.
If Labour get in back in they will set the country back 10 years with more debts! Can not trust UKIP they have no proper economic policies.
sweetapplecheeks
6th Mar 2015
6
Thanks for voting!
I'm curious to know where Cameron is respected as a world leader? Merkel and her powerful EU cronies think he's a buffoon. and as for his pal Obama well just ask an American how much respect he commands. Birds of a feather etc etc
SovereignInventory
6th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
It's funny how different people have different perceptions of the people in power and the actual state of the country. I think it is quite laughable that Cameron is well respected, just ask Putin what his opinion of Cameron is. As for the Chancellor (gideon not george) doing a good job? Maybe for his 'have Lots' friends and the still unregulated bankers, the only banks he is not in love with are the food banks. The country is on its knees due to a Worldwide recession and we are only doing relatively well in comparison to other poorer countries. We used to be a nation of doers, now we are just meeting attenders, steering groups & form fillers.
rudgy
8th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Oh dear what tinted glasses you are looking through,Cameron will surely finish the job for his mates and their greed .
Lots of pensioners have forgotten on this site it was Labour who introduced the cold winter allowance,also free T V licences for over 75 year old .So vote Tory and they will take it all away ,the rich Tory M P won't mind as they can claim for all their bills on their benefits .
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
I couldn't agree more Rudgy! x
rudgy
9th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Thank you lindz64.
minty
9th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
Could not agree more rudgy !
nagonthenet
6th Mar 2015
-6
Thanks for voting!
I will still vote for UKIP
rudgy
9th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
Simone
6th Mar 2015
4
Thanks for voting!
I'm finding it difficult for the first time ever to decide who to vote for - they're all the same!!
I shall probably vote for our current MP because he's very good. He's 'new' Labour - bring back 'old' Labour, I say. Milliband should be sent to bed with no supper for being an idiot!!
minty
9th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
Kelly1419
6th Mar 2015
-4
Thanks for voting!
I will be voting for UKIP. The have pledged to keep the bus pass and they also want to leave the EU and control our borders. They are going to cut foreign aid as well which, together with no longer having to pay 55 million per day to the EU, means more money to look after our sick and elderly. Cameron is all talk, no action and I do not like Milliband. I am going to give Nigel Farage and UKIP a chance.
Robert2706
14th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
I think UKIP has certainly stirred up politics by identifying issues that concern the majority of people and which have been ignored by all the major parties. I am concerned that Nigel will not be able to deliver a manifesto that will earn him enough votes at the GE.So we will be back to broken promises and legislation that helps the major politicians, donors and their families to make fortunes at the expense of the poor. i.e wind turbines and low energy light bulbs.
suzij
6th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
So difficult our local LibDem MP is very committed to our locality and very hardworking! but nationally would I be wasting my vote if I voted for him?
minty
9th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
minty
6th Mar 2015
3
Thanks for voting!
Usually vote Labour but cannot stand Ed Milliband but cannot stand Liberals particularly now Nick Clegg thinks drugs should be legal, IDIOT ! will probably end up voting Labour as usual.
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
I didn't care much for Ed Milliband either, too slow to catch a cold, but having seen him last Wednesday on PM Q's I have to say he went right up in my estimation, he really laid into Cameron and took that supercilious grin off his too fat face... he obviously need the help of food banks
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
... he obviously doesn't need the help of good banks!!
minty
9th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
Thanks for responding linz64 ! great comment did not see that confrontation wish I had ! to make things with Cameron even worse he says will repeal hunting ban horrible spoilt little pampered man !! Ah well onwards and upwards !
rudgy
9th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
It's not the man you vote for its the Party .The media have not helped him they go on about his looks ,we'll look in the Tory party Eric Pickles David Cameron so many more .
lindz64
9th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Too true minty! You can see PMQ's on catch up if you have the time and yes, doesn't it just sum the rich boys up to even THINK about repealing the hunting ban! Makes me sick to the stomach x
minty
9th Mar 2015
1
Thanks for voting!
Absolutely great minds think alike !!
JinxB
6th Mar 2015
4
Thanks for voting!
These politicians think that we are easily bribed by giving us what we already get (TV license for over 75) I don't think anyone who has worked all their life shoul pay tax on the pension, after all you paid tax on it when you were earning, now you pay tax on it again when they give it back to you piecemeal, they hope you will die before you can take out more than you put in, but when you add in the interest you would have got investing the money it's unlikely you will ever see it all
Archiebald
6th Mar 2015
4
Thanks for voting!
I think the government needs to think about reducing the pension age not putting it up. By the time you get to my age most people have had enough of working full time and need a rest and look to other pursuits & hobbies. part time work is fine and at our age we all have a lot to offer with all our experience. The government needs to think about that. How about an apprenticeship scheme using "Silversurfers" helping youngsters learn different trades and jobs?
lindz64
8th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
A brilliant idea Arciebald x
Ang35
6th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
No, pensioners have to be aged 75 to get free TV licences, I , living in West Midlands , DO get a free bus pass, but maybe other counties don't get that concession ?
cheshiredolphin
6th Mar 2015
2
Thanks for voting!
A more meaningful policy would be to increase Personal Tax Allowances to ensure that they exceed the State Pension including SERPS.
Personal Pension Schemes which have benefited from tax relief on contributions, so they should be taxed
.
Increasing the Allowance would reduce the number of Tax Inspectors and the attendant paperwork saving a considerable sum.

Then if the Allowance was large enough, Bus passes, free prescriptions, free TV Licences could be dropped along with a large section of the government employees who administer these benefits.
Robert2706
14th Mar 2015
0
Thanks for voting!
Sounds like a great idea to me. Which party would have the nerve to go for it? Thats the problem.
Wilf
6th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
Just seen this on the BBC today as well and I am not sure what all the fuss is about? Don't pensioners get these things free anyway what's the new change?

Ed needs to think up some new ideas to win us over! ...Are pensions high enough? ...Stop the tax on the new pension reforms. ...Why should we get taxed on 75% of our money if we withdraw it as cash under the new pension reforms?
Denise Chaplin
7th Mar 2015
5
Thanks for voting!
the change is these are not safe under the Tories

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