Alex Clarkson, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Stevenage, welcomes two major policy announcements made by the Conservative government this week, aimed at benefiting pensioners and young people.
Income Tax Cut for Pensioners
The Conservatives have introduced the "Triple Lock Plus," increasing the personal allowance for pensioners in line with the highest of earnings, wages, or 2.5%.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated:
"I passionately believe that those who have worked hard all their lives should have peace of mind and security in retirement," he said.
"Thanks to the Conservatives' triple lock, pensions have risen by £900 this year, and now we will cut their taxes by around £100 next year."
"This bold action demonstrates we are on the side of pensioners. The alternative is Labour dragging everyone in receipt of the full state pension into income tax for the first time in history."
Pensions Secretary Mel Stride added:
“A Conservative government is the only one which can provide pensioners the peace of mind in retirement they deserve.
“Labour’s record speaks for itself. The last Labour government waged an all-out assault on pensioners, with a £118 billion pensions tax raid and an insulting 75p increase to the state pension.
“Sir Keir Starmer can pay lip service to pensioners until he’s blue in the face but we know it will always be the same old Labour, putting our pensioners at the back of the queue.”
National Service for Young People
The Prime Minister announced plans for National Service for every 18-year-old, offering options for a full-time military commission or monthly community volunteering.
This initiative aims to instil a sense of duty and provide valuable skills.
Alex Clarkson emphasised:
"This policy will instil responsibility and provide young people with skills and experiences that will benefit their futures."
“This initiative will not only provide them with essential skills, but also instil a strong sense of civic duty and purpose.”
