SNP CONDEMN DARLING’s pension cap

SNP Work and Pensions Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has condemned the UK Government’s plans set out in the pre-budget report capping the value of the Additional State Pension (also referred to as the State Second Pension) before restoring the earnings link to the basic pension.

Mr Weir said:

“Given the damage Labour has already done to our pensions  system, it is despicable that they are now grabbing another £2billion in extra taxes by capping the value of the state second pension.

“The current state pension is totally inadequate, leaving pensioners below the poverty line, but instead of immediately restoring the vital link with earnings ,  Alasdair Darling has chosen to raid the pension pot again.

“As we enter the expensive winter quarter, with many pensioners worried about how they will heat their homes, the Chancellor’s pre-budget theatrics will be of little comfort to Scotland’s elderly.”