Older & Bolder: Pension escaped cuts because of campaign

Pensioners' group, Older & Bolder, welcomed the maintenance of the State Pension, household benefits package and free travel for pensioners in today's Budget.

They also welcomed the allocation of an additional once-off €40 to all households in receipt of fuel allowance.

However, Older & Bolder expressed concern about cuts to other vulnerable groups in this budget.

Director Patricia Conboy said: "Older people will be concerned about their family members who will be devastated by proposed 4% cuts to Social Welfare and cuts to Carer’s Allowance (under 66), Blind Persons Pension, Disability Allowance, Supplementary Welfare Allowances and Invalidity Pension (under 66).

Ms Conboy said the fact that the State Pension escaped a direct cut in this Budget, was a tribute to more than 40,000 people who have signed Older & Bolder’s petition to defend the State Pension over the course of a two-month campaign by the alliance.

Ms Conboy said: "Considering the current extreme weather conditions we are experiencing the once-off allocation of €40 to households in receipt of fuel allowance will be particularly appreciated by older people around the country.”

However, Director Patricia Conboy said that, while older people will be relieved that their basic supports will remain intact they will be affected by the phased abolition of modest age-related income tax exemptions and credits.

She said: "For example, age exemption limits will be reduced by €2000 from 1st January for a single person and by €4,000 for a married older couple. Age credits and exemptions for people aged over 65 will be abolished completely over the next four years.

"This will worry older people on low, fixed incomes who are currently trying to bridge deficits in health, social care and transport services from their own limited resources."