On October 30, Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out the Government’s plans on tax and spending for the foreseeable future.

The first UK Budget to be delivered by a woman. Something to celebrate indeed, but did the Budget leave older people cheering?

At Hornsey Pensioners Action Group, we meet monthly to discuss and campaign about issues that affect older people from a non-party political perspective - but I am sure that the Budget will be a hot topic of conversation during the tea break at our next meeting.

The Budget confirmed a 4.1% rise in the State Pension in April 2025 and that the state pension triple lock guarantee will remain in place, providing some financial stability for pensioners.

In a bid to maximise the take-up of Pension Credit – a top up benefit for low-income pensioners - the guarantee element will also increase by 4.1% in April. However, the cut-off date to apply for pension credit, which gives access to the Winter Cost-of-Living payment, was only extended to December 21.

Susan Critchlow is concerned that pensioners may have to pay tax on their state pensionsSusan Critchlow is concerned that pensioners may have to pay tax on their state pensions (Image: HPAG) Also, with the tax threshold frozen until 2028, there is a danger that pension increases will push people towards a situation where they are paying tax on their state pension even when it is their only source of income.

This should never happen and the tax threshold should be raised, for pensioners only, as soon as possible to prevent this.

The Budget proposed incentives for older people in the workforce, investment in provision of homes that are in good repair and suitable for older people’s needs, as well as money to improve the healthcare system and reduce waiting lists.

But this new Labour government are not taxing the super rich!

They are, however, refusing - despite calls from many organisations and groups to reverse their decision - to change the Winter Fuel Payments scheme from a universal benefit to one now only available to a smaller percentage of pensioners on the lowest incomes.

It is estimated that just under 10 million older adults will now miss out on this payment as a result.