BARRY and Siobhan are a retired couple surviving on Barry's small occupational pension and their contributory state pension. Their
State pension has increased from £6,596 to £6,790 on the basis of one person with an adult dependant.
Their gross income has increased from £20,177 to £20,371 and their net income from £16,212 to £16,434, leaving them £222 a year better off, due to increases in the State pension and personal allowances.
A few months ago they sold their house for £100,000, as their nephew, an estate agent, told them that prices would shortly peak. They have bought a smaller house for £70,000 and invested the difference in special investment and savings accounts. They are pleased the Minister has not adjusted the low rates of tax that apply to these accounts. Neither smokes and approve of the rise in taxes on cigarettes. They are pleased the price of alcohol has not gone up as they enjoy a tipple of whiskey or sherry from time to time.
They were very disappointed to see that the £800 relief for people over 65 who fit an alarm to their house applies only to single people living alone as they are increasingly concerned about security.