Theresa May

uk1

I thought I'd offer to start a thread simply to share speculations about what TM's likely approach is going to be towards pensions and pensioners - and of course the state pension and other benefits.

I have done a quick search but can find little evidence of what her views are on these topics.

Is the triple-lock safe?

Is the heating allowance safe?

TV licences?

Will she appoint Frank Field as DWP supremo?

All shared knowledge, memories of pronouncements or publications on pensions topics welcome.

Jeff

saver861

No

No

No

No

That one was easy.

Next question.

[Deleted User]

saver861 wrote: »

Next question.

Que?


I no understand - I from Barcelona

saver861

Sleazy wrote: »

Que?


I no understand - I from Barcelona

Probably not too much different from many of those MP's - only difference is they are not from Barcelona!

In answer to the OP though, I think much will depend on whether a suitable opposition can be formed. At the moment it looks unlikely and there will be no opposition. So in 2020 she has a free ride - and she don't need the pensioners votes as would normally be the case.

Its likely she is there until 2025 without any real concern. Its hers to mess up basically.

uk1

I wonder how being married to a "pensions expert" may shape her opinions.

Jeff

GingerBob_3

I trust she'll be calling a general election pretty sharpish. Chance then to vote her out.

zagfles

From her speech I suspect:
Cuts to pension tax relief (lower AA, lower LTA, or the other reforms we were expecting a few months ago).
Dismissal of all the WASPI rubbish (she wants equality, and as a 1950's woman herself she can't be seen to act in self interest )
Triple lock maintained but possibly at the expense of other pensioner perks
She'd do well to appoint Frank Field in some sort of role as he's one of the few sensible opposition MPs who comes up with common sense practical ideas rather than failed left wing dogma.

uk1

I always felt that Frank Field was the most sensible DWP person of all parties and it would be a wonderful bold step if he were appointed. He really seems difficult to pigeon hole to labour dogma. He is very sensible and balanced.

I agree with your other speculations.

Jeff

westv

I predict absolutely no change.

Mistermeaner

Mess with pension tax relief and annual allowance and us sip guys will be fooked

Its hard enough already with a publiuc sector or dB scheme

Working (and noin working benefits) must be cut IMO first - can't penalise those who earn.

If salary sacrifice is messed with all db schemes inc. Public sector will need to be changed so that individual contributions match the benefits on db parity basis

theGrinch

uk1 wrote: »

I always felt that Frank Field was the most sensible DWP person of all parties and it would be a wonderful bold step if he were appointed. He really seems difficult to pigeon hole to labour dogma. He is very sensible and balanced.

I agree with your other speculations.

Jeff

A good source told me that it was Frank Field that in 1990 told Mrs Thatcher it was over in a private visit.