Pensions should become an election issue

Sir, - Should the Prime Minister and other political leaders give an election promise to keep the annual triple lock (April 22) increase in pensions?

In what is already being dubbed as a Brexit election, the question does serve as a reminder that there are other matters on voters’ minds.

Many people do think that too large a proportion of the welfare budget goes to pensions.

Probably more think that the yearly increases in line with average earnings, inflation, or two-and-a-half per cent, whichever is greater, is a way to help secure some dignity in old age.

This may be little consolation to those who see their final salary pension schemes being closed or are concerned about the rise in the age limit to get a state pension.

But I think the policy is fundamentally sound and should be budgeted for by all the contestants in June’s poll.

One misnomer in all this is that pensioners are increasingly a burden on the taxpayer.

All pensioners are taxpayers one way or another, and I don’t just mean what they have contributed throughout their lives.

I would like to see some research into what pensioners are currently paying in tax and what they are getting out of the system through public spending.

I know that the cost of care is increasing all the time as people live longer. All the more reason that the matter should become an election issue together with the triple lock.

It will be a mature approach which will contrast with the endless bickering over Europe that we’re likely to hear in the next six weeks.

Members of Dundee Pensioners’ Forum were addressed by Cabinet secretary Shona Robison.