Couples where one partner is of pensionable age will have their incomes threatened from 15 May.

Age Gap Tax protest: noon on Thursday 9 May outside Amber Rudd’s constituency office

From 15 May 2019, couples where one person is over State Pension age while the other is under that age won’t be able to claim Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit. Instead, both people will need to reach State Pension age before they can claim Pension Credit or Housing Benefit. David Hannam from the 38 Degrees pressure group explains why this is such an important issue.

These changes mean that mixed aged couples could lose out on up to £7,000 a year, and a few could lose out on even more. Older people are being wrongly penalised for having a partner younger than themselves. We are urging the Government to stop this unfair targeting of mixed aged couples and calling on them to reverse their decision.

Why is this important?

Hastings and Rye MP, Amber Rudd, is the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions. As leader of the department she is responsible for the changes that will take place. We’re hoping that local action will change her mind – we’ve presented a local petition to her from her local constituents and at the protest we’ll be presenting her office with a book of personal stories from mixed aged couples on how they will be affected. With the changes coming in the following week we hope that this will go some way to make her reconsider.

What we need from you

We need as many people as possible to attend the protest to show their support. We don’t need you to prepare anything in advance – if you’d like to bring your own banners or materials please feel free to do so. On the day there is likely to be a photographer and local media interest – if you do not wish to be photographed please let Age UK staff know on the day.

In return for your support Age UK will:
• provide a packed lunch
• organise taxis to and from both Hastings & St Leonards Warrior Square Stations (roughly 10 minutes)
• Reimburse travel expenses within 2 weeks of the event (providing we receive receipts)
• Provide banners and signage (but feel free to also bring your own)
• Staff support on the day

When and where should we meet?

Noon on Thursday 9 May at Amber Rudd MP’s constituency office in Theaklen Drive. This is behind Asda, on the Ponswood Industrial Estate.
Swallow House,
Theaklen Drive
St Leonards
TN38 9AZ
United Kingdom

Here is a link to a map of the area.

You can check the website before going along to the event, just in case any last minute details have changed. For more information and to sign the petition, visit the Change.org website.

Also in: Campaigns