1st November 2021: A Week in Parliament

£7bn Pensions Robbery

I am sure people tune out when they hear the phrases “triple lock” and “double lock” in relation to pensions. However, the triple lock was important to protect the value of pensions in real terms. When we have high inflation, at the time the Tories have broken their promise on triple lock, then pensioners are not getting the rise they are supposed to. By removing the triple lock, it will cost pensioners £2600 over five years, or £520 per year. If you are a pensioner and reading this, then the budget is about to cost you £10 per week. The budget redbook shows this measure will save the Treasury approximately £7bn over the remaining term of the UK parliament.

Despite pensions being a big promise in 2014 as part of the Better Together campaign, since then, we have had the WASPI women scandal; pension age raised to 66 for everyone and to rise to 67, confirmation that the UK pension is one of the worst in the developed world compared to average earnings and now this £7bn robbery. Apart from all those broken promises, the worst aspect is that pensioners cannot afford to be losing £10 per week when there is a cost of living crisis. And this is £7bn that is taken out of circulation that would most likely be spent on local businesses thereby further damaging our high streets in towns and villages

Ruby Race

I was delighted to be invited along to the Ruby Young Monarch Financial Services Halloween Running Festival. First up was the one-mile fun run, mainly aimed at children and I had the joy of starting the race. It was great to see the effort of the kids giving how poor the weather had been. Next up was the 5k race. My excuse for not running was the fact I have a really bad cough and cold. However, seeing a winning time of just shy of 15minutes made me glad not to have been running! Again, well done to all who took part and the organisers. This was the 30th anniversary of the race, being run in memory of Ruby Young, a former member of the Harriers. That’s over £40k now raised for charity with Ayrshire Cancer Support benefiting this year. So well done on the fundraising as well as keeping Ruby’s memory alive.

Tony Bone Legal

I popped along to Tony Bone Legal to see a solicitor’s office that continues to expand, Business expansion is clearly a good thing employment wise. However, as Tony Bone specialises in family law and support, the increased growth also, unfortunately, reflects an increasing demand on services often stemming from domestic abuse. It is hoped a family law centre can be created which would allow a one-stop shop to many services for those in need of support. I hope this comes to fruition. Remember, if you are suffering domestic abuse, including coercive control, please contact an agency or even my office for signposting and support.