31/05/06 - Swindon Conservatives Meet Age Concern

PENSIONS CRISIS “HERE AND NOW” SAYS BUCKLAND

Swindon’s pensioners are facing a crisis “here and now”, according to South Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Robert Buckland.

Speaking after a meeting with Jo Osorio of Swindon Age Concern, Robert said:  “Whilst I welcome the thrust of the Government’s proposals on pension reform, the delay to 2012 in linking pension rises with earnings means that many pensioners will continue to struggle.  At the last election, the Conservatives pledged to restore the link between pensions and earnings.  I continue to support that pledge, and look to the Labour Government for immediate action.”

Robert added: “I was delighted to be able to meet with Mr. Osorio to learn about Age Concern’s policy priorities and to share some of my thoughts with him.  I want the Conservative policy review process to involve as many non-political organisations as possible.  We were able to discuss a range of issues concerning older people in our society.  These ideas will be fed into into the policy review.”

Robert, together with Council Leader Cllr Roderick Bluh, met Mr. Osorio at the Swindon office of Age Concern on 30th May.  Their hour-long meeting covered a range of national and local issues.