Queen's speech supports pensioners

Changes to the state pension and clearer rights for consumers are among the government's plans featured in the Queen's Speech.

The legislative programme brings together a string of proposals that have already been through a period of consultation.

This includes a flat-rate state pension of about £144 a week, which is planned to start for new pensioners from 2016.

The new flat-rate pension replaces the current basic pension of £110 a week, plus various means-tested top-ups.