MP visit highlights problems for older people

Older people deserve a better deal says Sandra Gidley MP. The Lib Dem Spokesperson for Older People recently visited our area and visited a care home with local campaigner Peter Carroll.

Sandra Gidley said, "We have had a Labour Government for seven years now and yet many pensioners are still struggling to make ends meet. The real value of the basic pension has fallen year after year under both Conservative and Labour Governments."

Local pensioners have also been hit by the closure of many local Post Offices, rising Council Tax bills and the cost of care.

A Lib Dem Government would help improve the lives of local pensioners by increasing the basic pension, introducing free care for the elderly and abolishing the Council Tax.

Peter Carroll said, "The voices of local pensioners have been ignored for too long by our Conservative and Labour Governments. We believe that every pensioner should be able to enjoy a secure and dignified retirement."

Howard's dreadful record

Local Conservative MP Michael Howard helped dream up the Council Tax and was a member of the Government that allowed the value of the pension to plummet. Thousands of Post Offices were closed while the Tories were in power.

At the last Election, Mr Howard also opposed Lib Dem plans to introduce free personal and nursing care for the elderly.