Cameron in Bradford: Budget ‘not unfair’ to pensioners

The Prime Minister was forced to justify the freezing of age-related allowances for pensioners - branded a “granny tax” by critics.

Mr Cameron spoke as he visited a school in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to campaign ahead of next week’s by-election in the west of the city.

He said: “Every granny in Bradford West, as around the country, is going to be benefiting from the biggest ever increase in the pension that comes in in April - an extra £5.30 a week.

“At the same time the Budget also delivered a tax cut for 24 million people in our country. We have now taken two million of the lowest paid people out of tax altogether so it’s a good Budget for our economy and it’s a fair Budget for all our people.”

The Prime Minister was mobbed by schoolchildren as he strolled through the playground at Kings Science Academy.

His visit, in the warm spring sunshine, was intended to gee up support for Conservative candidate Jackie Whiteley as she prepared to fight seven other candidates in the by-election on March 29.

Mr Cameron said: “It’s time for a change in Bradford. This Government is investing in the future of Bradford - £17 million for the city centre regeneration, yesterday, the announcement of the Northern rail hub updating and improving the line between Manchester and Bradford, and of course making sure Bradford has superfast broadband speeds.

“So real investment for real jobs and in Jackie Whiteley we’ve got a first-class candidate.”

The by-election was triggered when Labour MP Marsha Singh resigned earlier this month due to “serious health problems”. He has held the seat since 1997.

Among the other candidates are Respect MP George Galloway and Liberal Democrat city councillor Jeanette Sunderland.

Deputy leader of Bradford Council Imran Hussain will defend the seat for Labour.