Hull MP welcomes support for pensioners in Pre-Budget Report

Hull North Labour MP Diana Johnson has welcomed today's Pre-Budget Report and the Government's continuing support for pensioners.

The Pre-Budget report announced a 2.5% increase in the basic state pension.

Measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Pre-Budget Report include:

Increases the full basic state pension by £2.40 to £97.65 a week in April 2010.

Increases the full couples' pension by £3.85 to £156.15 in April 2010.

Boosts the pension guarantee from April 2010, a single pensioner will be guaranteed an income of £132.60, a rise of £2.60, while a couple will be guaranteed £202.40, a rise of £3.95 a week.

Extends the increase in Cold Weather Payments to £25 a week to this winter.

Diana Johnson MP said: "I warmly welcome the action taken to help pensioners in the Pre-Budget Report including the 2.5% rise in the basic state pension from April 2010.

"The Labour Government is also making sure that pensioners need never worry about heating costs. We have extended the increase in Cold Weather Payments of £25 a week to this winter.

"This winter, pensioners will also receive an extra £50 alongside their winter fuel payment and an extra £100 if they are over 80. This will be a great help to many pensioners in Hull."

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