ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE STATE PENSION

That this House notes the centenary anniversary of the state pension being established as a foundation of support for older people; notes that in 1909 half a million people over 70 years were awarded their five shillings a week and now over 12 million are eligible, with 700,000 more people due to reach pensionable age in 2009; recognises that the basic state pension is worth four times in real terms the amount received in 1909; commends the Government for the extra help offered to today's pensioners in terms of free bus travel, the winter fuel payment and the £60 payment due this year; but calls on the Government to continue to extend the financial help and services available for pensioners; and looks forward to the state pension continuing to provide financial security for pensioners for decades to come.