Pensioners ‘should face spending cuts too’

MOST pensioners believe they should not be immune from public spending cuts, a new poll shows.

A majority believe older people should not enjoy special treatment, while the public is divided on the issue, according to the survey.

The figures come amid an intense political battle over the future of so-called pensioner benefits.

The Coalition Government has committed to protecting them until at least the end of this parliament.

But both Labour and the Conservatives have suggested that after 2015 certain payments, such as the Winter Fuel Allowance, could be means-tested.

The ComRes survey shows the public is divided with 49% for and 46% against the proposition that pensioners should “be no more immune to the impact of government spending cuts than other members of society”.

Among those aged 65 and over, 56% agreed while 36% disagreed.

But the strongest support for protecting pensioners was among younger people.

Some 42% of 18 to 24-yearolds ag reed pensioners should be not be immune from c ut s, while 52% disagreed.

The survey also found Labour’s lead over the Conservatives has risen from four to six points since last month.

While Ukip has fallen back, it is still ahead of the Liberal Democrats.

The poll puts Labour on 36%, up two points, the Conservatives on 30%, unchanged, Ukip 14%, down three points and the LibDems on 10%, unchanged.