Why is Britain penalising its overseas pensioners?

17/09/2008

I am sure that someone has brought up this point, but in case they have not here are my concerns about British pensions - as seen from afar. I live in the USA.

 

Firstly, I have been told there is a UK pensions surplus, so there is no need to 'punish' the elderly by making them - or people like myself living overseas - become wholly dependent on their families and friends to take care of them in their day of need.  Freezing pension benefits as you do now makes the British pensioner feel they would rather die than be shamed into asking for 'handouts' day in and day out as they are being forced to do. (You can not know the pride of this age group unless you have been there and had first hand experience of poverty).

 

The new pension laws due to start on April 6th 2010 means that before that date other pensioners have to live on 40% less - simply because of a cut and dry date. Why not start immediately or with new pensioners?

 

But my real concern is with the formation of the new pension rules, which I feel are extremely prejudical to many people of my age and in my position - which is this: I have only 20 legal service years, but let's say I have 29 years when I am 65 in the year 2009. 

 

They will work out my pensionable income at 29 years of 44, which is at this time the standard number of years needed for a full pension. 

So I will receive 44% of the maximum pension.

 

My friend has the same 29 years, but because he does not turn 65 until 2010, he gets  99% of the maximum pension because the law now says it only takes 30 years of service to get maximum earnings. This is a major flaw in the system for all pensioners in my situation. It is a huge raise for new pensioners - and a slap in the face for all pensioners in their later years. I suggest that the law must be modified to create an even playing field.

 

So for God's sake MPs, be fair to all pensioners - not just your sons and daughters. Can anyone help, please?

 

George Stevenson, (by email from the USA)