'Budget was hit-and-run on the elderly - this betrayal of our over 75s must end'

07 March 2024 , 22:20

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This Budget was a hit-and-run on Britain’s elderly

Tories’ raid on pension

Only this government would raid the incomes of the elderly to cover the cost of its economic mismanagement.

An analysis shows that as many as eight million pensioners will be left £1,000 worse off as a result of the Budget announced by Jeremy Hunt. Not only will the vast majority of over-65s receive no benefit from the cut in National Insurance, but they are set to pay hundreds of pounds a year more in income tax.

This Budget was a hit-and-run on Britain’s elderly. There are already more than two million pensioners living in relative poverty. By swiping hundreds of pounds from pensioner incomes, the Conservatives will leave even more people worried about how they are going to heat their homes, pay their bills and eat.

The Tories have already betrayed the elderly by axing free TV licences for the over 75s and failing to fix the crisis in social care. Now they are threatening to take away their chance of a secure and dignified retirement.

An awful tooth

In many parts of the country, it’s almost impossible to see an NHS dentist.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

Nine of out 10 practices are no longer taking on new NHS patients, leaving people with the choice of going private or, if they cannot afford the cost, suffering in silence.

And what is the Government’s response? They have ramped up the prices for those fortunate enough to receive NHS treatment.

If the money raised were used to help fund more NHS dental services it might be understandable. But not a single penny will go to the frontline, according to the British Dental Association. The Conservatives are once again putting up even more barriers to care.

Last adventure

Britain’s TV screens have shone less brightly since the passing of Paul O’Grady.

But the entertainer is set to light up our lives again when ITV airs his final project, Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure.

Paul was the ultimate showman and would have wanted his show to go on.

Voice of the Mirror