Oral Answers to Questions

Louie French Excerpts

Monday 18th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[Greg Smith (Buckingham) (Con)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to support pensioners.

[Mr Louie French (Old Bexley and Sidcup) (Con)]

19. What steps his Department is taking to support pensioners.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Paul Maynard)]

In 2023-24 we will spend over £152 billion on benefits for pensioners in Great Britain—5.9% of GDP—including a forecast £125.4 billion on the state pension.

--- Later in debate ---

[Paul Maynard]

This is the Government who have nearly doubled the personal allowance since 2010, ensuring that most of the lowest earners do not pay income tax. Indeed, thanks to the personal allowance, around 30% of individuals do not pay tax, and of course any pensioner solely reliant on the state pension does not pay income tax.

[Mr French]

Does my hon. Friend agree with me that while the Conservatives proudly continue to support pensioners in their hard-earned retirement with the triple lock and other cost of living support measures, it is disgraceful that the Labour Mayor of London has hammered pensioners and working people in Bexley by increasing council tax by approximately £200 per year, and ultra low emission zone charges to £12.50 per day?

[Paul Maynard]

I am sure my hon. Friend agrees with me that the Mayor of London seems to spend more time paying extremely expensive salaries to some of his key employees around Greater London. Of course ULEZ has an effect on pensioners: whether they are going to the shops, visiting their family or attending hospital appointments, they will be the ones to pay the price for the Mayor’s overweening ambition.