UK News 26-09-2000 Gordon Brown Makes Pension Promise who: Gordon Brown what: Promises pension increase in next budget where: Labour Conference, BRIGHTON when: Yesterday snippet: Gordon Brown yesterday promised an increase in the basic state pension in next April`s budget, although there was confusion over the figures involved. "He received a rousing ovation from Labour`s party conference in Brighton," says George Jones, Political Editor at The Telegraph, adding that his proposals "could result in pensioners receiving more than double the annual inflation-linked increases". "He presented the conference with a complicated formula," says The Express`s Anthony Bevins, "under which transitional arrangements for the 2003 introduction of the pensioners` credit - involving help for the poor and middle-income pensioners - would provide help for all pensioners". "It is a progressive principle that we should do more for those who have the greatest needs," said Mr Brown. "So if we are to plan for the future, our priority cannot be that the wealthiest get exactly the same as the neediest". Mr Brown avoided discussing figures except to say that the minimum income guarantee would rise from £78 to £90 in April. However, "there was speculation that there could be at least £5 for a single person and £8 for a married couple", says George Jones. And The Sun`s Trevor Kavanagh agrees. "He will boost the £67.50 single pension by up to £5 a week - £8 for a couple," he says. [... more]

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