HOW we safeguard the future of our state pension is something which affects us all, whether pensioners or not, and securing its future is one of the cornerstones of UK government policy.

Thousands of Glaswegians rely on their pensions; it's a lifeblood they have earned and deserve, and it is not something that should ever be put at risk.

But according to a report from the respected Institute of Fiscal Studies out today, there is the possibility of a serious problem for pensioners.

I am, of course, talking about how pensions would be provided should a majority of Scots vote for independence in the referendum next year.

The IFS report states that a separate Scotland would find it considerably more difficult to fulfil its state pensions requirements than it would if it was to remain part of the UK.

This means: one, the payment made into the accounts of pensioners each week will decrease, to a level below that of the rest of the UK; or two, the government in a separate Scotland will have to hike personal taxes to fund the black hole. Either way, that is bad news.

Campaigners in the Yes camp will accuse me and any other person in favour of remaining part of the United Kingdom of 'scaremongering'.

But these issues are of extreme importance, however much the SNP wants to stick its fingers in its ears about something which might damage its campaign.

The Scottish Government's finance secretary John Swinney even admitted in a private document that the UK does well to absorb the cost of pensions associated with an ageing demographic – though he's never dared to admit it in public.

The main reason for the precarious pension pot of an independent Scotland is we have an increasingly ageing population here, compared to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. That brings challenges which we cannot afford to ignore.

Another report out today shows the cost of free personal care for the elderly is up to more than £450 million a year. That's a worthwhile policy, but I'm sure even those who benefit from it would like a guarantee it can be maintained, without bankrupting the country for their children.

Unfortunately, until the SNP publishes its long-term plan on how to finance universal free services, we will never know what the situation is.

THE Scottish Government invests much time criticising Westminster for the difficult decisions it is taking on welfare.

These are the decisions needed to ensure people who have worked hard their whole life can receive the kind of pension they do today.

As we know, thanks to today's IFS report, "funding the benefits system in the decades ahead may prove somewhat more burdensome for an independent Scotland".

The vote in 2014 is not just a choice of government – Scotland's prosperity is at stake.

The UK, with Scotland an essential part, is far better placed to meet these challenges.