Budget 2011: Welfare and benefits

We examine some key highlights affecting welfare and benefits policy, including reactions from ePolitix.com members.

• Proposal to automatically link the age of the state pension to increasing life expectancy.

• The government will introduce a single-tier pension paid at a flat rate of £140 per week.

• In two weeks time the child tax credit for lower income families will increase by an additional £255.

Member Response: Michelle Mitchell, charity director, Age UK

For Age UK the highlight of the budget was the Chancellor's hint that the Government will introduce a simple flat-rate state pension of £140 per week. We now want this turned into a firm commitment and timetable, so that those approaching retirement have financial certainty.

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