Worries over future incomes for elderly

Sir, – The SNP should welcome the call from its own policy convener, Tony Guigliano, for more clarity on state pensions in an independent Scotland (Courier, February 8).

No one should doubt that this matter might be crucial in an independence referendum campaign. The party has done nothing to reassure elderly voters about their future incomes.

It is confusing to claim that the rest of the United Kingdom would continue to provide pensions at the current level.

The controversy should help inject a dose of reality, however.

A Yes majority in a referendum would not mean autonomy the following Monday. It would simply start a detailed bout of negotiations.

At the centre of this would be what share of the UK national debt Scotland should accept.

What would its size be, how would it be serviced, what level of spending cuts would be required to make sure Scotland has credibility in international markets?

The size of pension and social security payments in a newly-independent state would be vital. That would have to be managed by the Scottish Government. It might continue the same payments as in the rest of the United Kingdom, or it might consider higher payments or, more likely, the payments would have to be pruned back.

It would be its decision. Incidentally, the party’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford’s example of pensioners living abroad getting their pension needs to be qualified. Certainly, they get the pension, but it doesn’t mean they get the annual increase. It depends on which country you retire to.

Bob Taylor.

Shiel Court, Glenrothes.