It was an important goal of the Government that pensioners, too, should perceive the strengthening of Hungary, Bence Rétvári, Minister of State at the Ministry of Human Capacities said at his press conference.
Mr Rétvári reiterated: the Fidesz-KDNP Government agreed in 2010 to preserve the purchasing power of pensions. He added: the Government has not merely succeeded in honouring this undertaking, but has even managed to exceed it.
Those eligible received pension increases well in excess of the rate of inflation in most years. As of January this year, pensions will be 1.6 per cent higher than last year, he said, adding that this means an extra HUF 2,000 in the case of an average pension.
The pensions of some 2.7 million people in total will increase as of January, the Minister of State stated, who said regarding the range of pensioners concerned: in addition to old-age pensioners, those receiving pension-like allowances will also be eligible for increased payments. Consequently, there will likewise be increases in allowances such as the orphan allowance, the service allowance, the allowance of widows and widowers, the disability allowance, the rehabilitation allowance, the accident allowance and disability benefits.
He further pointed out that the pay of pensioners was also boosted by the Erzsébet vouchers worth HUF 10,000 provided at the end of the year. He said: the Postal Service delivered 92.5 per cent of the vouchers by 24 December, while the rest of the consignments were handed over by 30 December. Those who were not at home at the time of the attempted delivery may collect their Erzsébet vouchers at post offices in the next ten business days, he added.
The reduction of gas and energy prices as well as the reduction of the VAT on basic foodstuffs on Monday will enable pensioners to save further tens of thousands of forints, Mr Rétvári continued.
He further said: this Monday is the first day when people going to the stores may experience significant price reductions in the case of basic foodstuffs – such as fresh milk, eggs and poultry – in consequence of the reduction of VAT. He said: most stores and supermarkets indicated that the reduction of the VAT content in the case of these products will also be enforced in the consumer prices.
Mr Rétvári expressed hope that the pension increase, the Erzsébet vouchers and the reduction of the VAT on basic foodstuffs will be able to guarantee security for pensioners.
(MTI)
