PENSIONERS have told the Government that they want "more than peanuts" after it was revealed that the annual increase in the basic pension will be just 73p a week.

Inflation figures just announced show that there has been a 1.1 per cent increase in the headline rate over the year to September. It is the September figure that is used to calculate the change in the basic state pension to take effect in April.

The basic state pension now stands at £66.75 and will increase by the magnificent sum of 73p. A pensioner couple will receive an additional £1.17.

Pensioners' leaders are calling for an immediate increase to £75 and the linking of increases to wages rather than prices.

Pensioners' leader Jack Jones said the increase of 73p was "just peanuts" and Barbara Castle told BBC radio that Labour was following the policy of Thatcherism by targeting minimal increases on the poorer pensioners.

Meanwhile Bury Pensioners Association will continue to campaign for the link between wages and pensions to be restored under our slogan, "Dignity in Retirement".

P. KAISERMAN,

vice-chairman,

Bury Pensioners Association.

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