GOVERNMENT proposals to introduce a new flat-rate state pension in April 2017 appear to have been favourably received.

Outlined by pensions minster Stephen Webb last week, the new single-tier system would pay a weekly flat-rate of £144 a week, plus inflation rises between now and 2017.

The current full state pension is £107.45 a week, but can be topped up to £142.70 with pension credit, and by the state second pension.

For full story, see this week's Liphook Herald.