Rennie demands end to "third class" pension disgrace

Millions of elderly women are being denied a decent pension by the UK Labour government according to Willie Rennie, Lib Dem candidate in the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election.

Speaking on a visit to a lunch club for elderly people in Dunfermline today, Willie Rennie outlined his party's proposals for a Citizen's Pension which would base pension entitlement on citizenship rather than National Insurance contributions.

Under the Liberal Democrats, the basic state pension would also rise from £82 to £109 a week.

Willie Rennie said:

"Consecutive Tory and Labour governments have failed to put an end to the discrimination faced by women when it comes to their retirement.

"For generations, women have been the poor relations when it comes to pensions. The Government treats pensioners like second-class citizens and female pensioners like third-class citizens.

"It cannot be right that at the start of the 21st Century, women are still being penalised for time spent bringing up children or caring for elderly relatives.

"Lib Dem plans to base pensions on citizenship rather than National Insurance contributions will right this historic injustice.

"Local elderly people tell me that they often struggle on their current derisory pensions. I am determined to fight for a fairer deal for our older people so that they receive the pensions they need - and deserve.

"I believe that there is now a broad consensus across Dunfermline and West Fife that we need a state pension which is universal and fair - a Citizen's Pension."

Dunfermline Lib Dems