Green Party pledges universal £180 weekly state pension

The party said in its election manifesto it will introduce a universal state pension of £180 per week for single people and £310 for couples, regardless of their contribution record, should it get to power in the 7 May general election. It will fund the move by abolishing about "half the value" of the £40bn government subsidy paid to private pension schemes in the form of income tax and national insurance reliefs. Savers currently qualify for up to 45% tax relief when paying into their pension, depending on how much income tax they pay. Individuals can contribute up to £40,000 a ye...