“All the parties must convince older women that they will deliver for them if elected. The Liberal Democrats have recognised that older women are a powerful electoral force and their votes could have a significant impact on the outcome of the General Election. 

“Two-thirds of women over the age of 55 have told us they will vote on 5 May‚ but one in five are still undecided who to vote for.

“A new report published today by Age Concern and Fawcett A Blueprint for Reform¹ reveals that pensions are a top voting issue for thousands of older women. Half of women aged 55+ - around four and a half million - say they will vote for the party that commits to delivering a strong pensions policy for women.

“One in five single women pensioners still lives in poverty as the current outdated system fails to take account of women’s needs and working patterns.

“The major parties have recognised this national scandal but urgent action is needed. The next Government must radically overhaul of the pension system and prevent future generations of women being condemned to a retirement in poverty.” 

Notes to Editors:

Age Concern spokespeople are available for interview.

Radio producers: Age Concern England has an ISDN line

¹ Age Concern and Fawcett are calling on the next Government to follow a new pension blueprint for women.

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