CHRISTMAS BONUS FOR PENSIONERS

That this House believes that additional payment of £60 to the Christmas Bonus has made a significant difference to the incomes of the poorest pensioners; notes that despite the current low level of inflation, increases in the costs of basic foodstuffs and in energy prices mean that the incomes of pensioners are being squeezed; further notes that Christmas is a particularly expensive time for all people, and especially pensioners; and calls on the Government to maintain the Christmas Bonus at the current level of £70 and to commit to increasing the payment in subsequent years in line with increases in the basic state pension.