Pensioners ‘would benefit’ from electing Nationalists

Senior citizens would enjoy another leap in their quality of life if the Nationalist Party were re-elected, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. Speaking to supporters at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar yesterday, he said the €300 allowance for 80-year-olds living at home would be increased to €500 and extended to 78-year-olds. Dr Gonzi said the PN would also revise various pension rules to ensure people were not penalised unfairly. Widows will no longer lose their pensions if they started to work or got remarried, while those who had contributory private pensions, such as the British Service Pension or the pension for former employees of Shell and Barclays would be able to keep both. Meanwhile, the disability pension would be tied to the size of their family, said Dr Gonzi, pointing out that most abuse had been stamped out and the overwhelming majority of people with a disability were “genuine” cases. He said several steps were taken throughout this legislature to leave more money in the pockets of the elderly, even with the latest Budget. “But for all this to happen we have to be elected once again, change the laws and pass a Budget,” he said. Day centres Every morning, Vivi Sacco...