Prime Minister visits Peacehaven

The Prime Minister David Cameron was visiting Peacehaven this morning (Monday 24 March).

Less than a week after the budget he was explaining changes intended to help pensioners at the Meridian Centre.

He was introduced by Emma Soames, editor at large of Saga magazine, which organised the question and answer event.

Mr Cameron said: “You can tell a lot about a society by how it helps pensioners live out their lives in dignity and security.”

He said that he wasn’t saying that all the problems around this had been solved.

But the latest changes, including annuity reforms and pensioner bonds, were part of a long-term plan.

Mr Cameron said that all this was taking place against the difficult backdrop of turning round the economy and trying to provide stability and security.

One pensioner asked what he should do with his pension pot.

The Prime Minister said that he wasn’t qualified to give financial advice and added that many would say don’t take advice from a politician.

He said that it was condescending to say that people who had been responsible enough to save for their old age would be so irresponsible that they would blow it all if they weren’t forced to buy an annuity.

One audience member raised a laugh by suggesting that the money could be blown on a Saga cruise.

Councillor Lynda Hyde, who represents Rottingdean Coastal ward on Brighton and Hove City Council, asked the Prime Minister to help secure funding for the £420 million revamp of the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Mr Cameron praised Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby for his efforts to secure the money and said that it was message received and understood.

Councillor Dee Simson, who represents Woodingdean, highlighted binge drinking and added that many old people drank a lot in their homes. She asked why beer duty had been cut.

He said that he wanted to support pubs in towns, villages and communities.

Councillor Tony Janio, who represents Hangleton and Knoll, asked what rabbits the Chancellor George Osborne would be able to pull out of the hat next year.

Mr Cameron was asked about building more motorways and main roads locally, particularly east-west roads.