Silver Voices Delivers 275,000-Signature Petition to Downing Street

Dennis Reed, director of the over-60s advocacy group Silver Voices, delivered a petition with 275,000 signatures to Downing Street on October 20. The group demands that Andy Burnham raise the personal allowance tax threshold in the upcoming Budget to prevent modest earners from being pulled into the tax system during a cost-of-living crisis.

Campaigners argue that freezing the threshold at £12,570 since 2021 constitutes a regressive tax that disproportionately affects lower-income pensioners. Reed is calling for an increase of at least £1,000. While the Prime Minister previously indicated the issue was "lodged in my mind" following the Makerfield by-election, he has since stated there is no immediate commitment to an increase.

Further action is planned for October 28, when Silver Voices and the Daily Express will hold a protest at Parliament Square. The demonstration aims to support the pension triple lock ahead of the first Budget delivered by Chancellor John Healey.