2.9 MILLION SCOTS OVERALL COULD BE AFFECTED BY PENSION AGE INCREASES

Local MP, Dave Doogan has called on the Tories to scrap proposed rises to the pension age which would force people in Angus to work until 68 before receiving their state pension.

Citing fresh figures from the House of Commons Library, Dave Doogan MP said up to 2.9 million Scottish people could be affected by the UK government’s proposals to hike the UK’s state pension age from 66 to 67 in 2028 and 68 by 2044.

Ahead of the budget, Dave Doogan MP said Tory plans to force people to work longer, especially while pensioners in Scotland have been routinely short-changed by the UK government, would be a “further betrayal” of older people in Angus. 

Commenting, Dave Doogan MP said:

“The Tories should completely scrap their plans to increase the pension age, a move that could force 2.9 million Scottish people to work even longer before getting to enjoy their retirement.

“Failure to do so would be a further betrayal of older people here in Angus – who already, thanks to the UK government, receive one of the lowest pensions in North West Europe, have had their free TV licences revoked and are seeing unconscionable rises to their cost of living.

“The Tories made pensions a cornerstone of their 2014 unionist campaign, but have since been terrible for pensioners in Scotland and Angus, having done absolutely nothing to empower older people to enjoy their retirement and later life. 

“If the Tories press ahead with these changes it’ll serve as further proof that only with the full powers of independence can we deliver proper pensions at a decent age as we set out to build a country and economy that works for everyone.”