Motion text
That this House is deeply concerned by the proposed changes to eligibility for pension credit; notes that from 15 May 2019 new pensioners whose partners are younger than the state retirement age of 65 will no longer be able to claim a means-tested top-up called pension credit but instead will be forced to claim the much less generous universal credit alongside their younger partners; is alarmed that this amounts to a potential loss of up to £7,320 per year; agrees with Age UK that those changes comprise a “substantial wealth cut” which could have a devastating effect on the health and well-being of some older people and increase the number of pensioners in poverty; is mindful of the fact that this change will mean yet another financial blow to women born in the 1950s who have already had their state pension age delayed with little or no notice; further notes that the average age gap for mixed-age couples is 2.6 years, meaning the cash loss incurred before the younger partner becomes eligible to claim pension credit could be up to £19,000; recognises that where the age gap is greater, the potential loss will be more; and urges the Government to reconsider these changes, which will serve only to increase the number of pensioners in poverty.
Signatures (31)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Gibson, Patricia
Scottish National Party
Signed on
17 January 2019
Cunningham, Mr Jim
Labour
Signed on
21 January 2019
Morris, Grahame
Labour
Signed on
21 January 2019
Law, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2019
Stephens, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2019
Hayes, Helen
Labour
Signed on
21 January 2019
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Cameron, Dr Lisa
Scottish National Party
Signed on
21 January 2019
Cowan, Ronnie
Scottish National Party
Signed on
22 January 2019
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
22 January 2019
McDonald, Stewart Malcolm
Scottish National Party
Signed on
22 January 2019
Saville Roberts, Liz
Plaid Cymru
Signed on
22 January 2019
Lake, Ben
Plaid Cymru
Signed on
22 January 2019
Black, Mhairi
Scottish National Party
Signed on
22 January 2019
Hopkins, Kelvin
Independent
Signed on
23 January 2019
Thewliss, Alison
Scottish National Party
Signed on
23 January 2019
Hill, Mike
Labour
Signed on
23 January 2019
Doughty, Stephen
Labour
Signed on
23 January 2019
Day, Martyn
Scottish National Party
Signed on
23 January 2019
Gethins, Stephen
Scottish National Party
Signed on
24 January 2019
Monaghan, Carol
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2019
Linden, David
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2019
Docherty-Hughes, Martin
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2019
Lucas, Caroline
Green Party
Signed on
28 January 2019
Gaffney, Hugh
Labour
Signed on
30 January 2019
George, Ruth
Labour
Signed on
31 January 2019
Bardell, Hannah
Scottish National Party
Signed on
31 January 2019
Wishart, Pete
Scottish National Party
Signed on
1 February 2019
Brown, Alan
Scottish National Party
Signed on
4 February 2019
Chapman, Douglas
Scottish National Party
Signed on
14 February 2019
Fellows, Marion
Scottish National Party
Signed on
5 March 2019
These members had previously signed the motion, but have now withdrawn their support. The date shown is when the Member withdrew their signature from the motion.