“Pensioners in Northern Ireland are atuned to issues affecting them and will come to their own conclusions.” Frank Shivers, Conservative spokesperson said after the Spending Review as he drew a contrast between George Osborne’s move on pensions with the state of waiting lists in Northern Ireland.“This increase in the pension is great news. It will put over £1m a week into the pockets of local pensioners and into the local economy. This is the biggest real terms increase to the basic State Pension in 15 years.” Next year the basic state pension will rise by £3.35 to £119.30 a week. Highlighting how the Conservatives deliver for people in Northern Ireland, Frank continued: “At the same time, due to the incompetence of the local parties running Stormont, waiting lists here have sky-rocketed – people in parts of Northern Ireland have to wait over a year for a hip operation for example. It’s a disgrace. We need politicians that deliver for our pensioners."