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Dr Hywel Francis MP welcomes support for pensioners in pre-Budget report

Dr Hywel Francis MP for Aberavon welcomed the Pre-Budget Report and the Government's continuing support for pensioners and the announcement of a 2.5% increase in the basic state pension.

Dr Francis said,

'I warmly welcome the increases to the full basic state pension by £2.40 to £97.65 a week in April 2010 and also the increases to the married couples pension by £3.85 to £156.15 in April 2010.

Dr Francis added,

'The Government are also making sure that pensioners will be helped to cover their heating costs by extending the increase in Cold Weather Payments to £25 a week this winter. Pensioners will also receive an extra £50 alongside their winter fuel payment – and an extra £100 if they are over 80.'