Independence: Scots ‘not informed’ about pensions

Alistair Darling failed to poll highly on pensions. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

ALMOST three quarters of Scots over the age of 60 are concerned about the fate of their pensions in an independent Scotland, according to a poll.

It found 72 per cent are either very or somewhat concerned about how the state pension would be funded in the event of a Yes vote in next month’s referendum.

Almost half said they also had concerns about the funding of their private pensions under independence.

Meanwhile 59 per cent said they did not feel well enough informed about what would happen to their state or private pensions.

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Neither Better Together leader Alistair Darling nor First Minister Alex Salmond polled highly when voters were asked which politician they trusted most on pensions, scoring 24 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

The poll put support for Yes in the age group at 32.6 per cent, with No at 54.8 per cent and 12.6 per cent undecided.

Excluding those who have not made up their minds, backing for independence was at 37.3 per cent, while 62.7 per cent supported the Union.

A spokesman for Yes Scotland said: “The state pension is guaranteed to be paid on time and in full in an independent Scotland. The UK Government has told pensioners: ‘If Scotland does become independent this will have no effect on your state pension; you will continue to receive it just as you do at present.’

“And spending on benefits and pensions will be more affordable in an independent Scotland than the UK as a whole, because it takes up a smaller proportion of both our tax revenues and national income.”