Building on partnership - Government's response to older people

30 Jan 2001

George Foulkes MP, Minister of State at the Scotland Office, today welcomed the Government’s response - Building on Partnership- to the Report of the Better Government for Older People Steering Committee, All Our Futures.

Speaking at the Programme Conference in London today, Mr Foulkes said:

"Better Government for Older People has proved to be an excellent example of what can be achieved, bringing together older people and a wide range of representative organisations, local and national government. While the Response covers a range of reserved matters such as age diversity and employment, many of the issues examined in Building on Partnershipare the responsibility of the devolved administration. I am sure the Scottish Government will wish to respond on those points.

"The UK Government’s response to the recommendations is part of the continuing process of improving policies and public services for older people. These include:

  • Increase in the Minimum Income Guarantee to over £90 for single pensioners and £140 for couples.
  • Increase in the pension from April by £5 for single pensioners and £8 for couples.
  • A doubling of the lower capital limit attached to the Minimum Income Guarantee to £6,000 from April, to help pensioners with some savings. The upper limit will increase to £12,000.
  • Substantial increase in winter fuel payments, £200 this year.
  • Free TV licences for people aged 75 or more."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. All Our Futureswas launched in London on 15 June 2000. The Report made recommendations for the Government whose response was made at today’s conference. Representatives of the Scottish pilots of the Better Government for Older People Programme attended.

2. The Government Response covers both reserved matters, such as age diversity and employment, and devolved matters such as health and social care, education and local government. The Scottish Government will launch its own response within the next few weeks.

3. Three of the 28 UK pilots projects were located in Scotland - Scottish Borders, Stirling and South Lanarkshire.

4. Prior to his election to Parliament in 1979, George Foulkes was Director of Age Concern Scotland and until 1997 he was Chairman of the House of Commons All Party Pensioners Group.

5. For more information, contact the Department of Social Security press office on 020 7238 0800.