Over 1500 local pensioner households missing out on pension credit

2.56.00pm GMT Mon 7th Feb 2005

Duncan Hames is campaigning for an extra £25 on the state pension, starting with the over 75s.

Duncan Hames is campaigning for an extra £25 on the state pension, starting with the over 75s.

Local Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Cllr Duncan Hames has discovered that there are likely to be in the region of 1550 households in our area eligible for the new Pension Credit but not receiving it. Duncan Hames has called on the Government to introduce a new Citizen's Pension which would take millions of pensioners off means-tested benefits.

According to the Government's own figures only 70% of people entitled to the Pension Credit are currently claiming it.

Cllr Hames said, "The Government should be ashamed that so many of this country's poorest pensioners are still living so far beneath the poverty line. Schemes such as the Pension Credit are complex and confusing. Rather than forcing pensioners to apply for means-tested benefits the Government should be making sure that every pensioner gets a decent basic pension."

"These figures show that our worst fears are being realised - large numbers of vulnerable pensioners are missing out on the help they desperately need. The only guaranteed way to ensure that pensioners have dignity and security in old age is through a decent state pension, payable as of right. A Citizen's Pension would mean that every pensioner would receive an adequate basic pension and people would not be penalised for saving for their retirement."

"That is why Liberal Democrats would guarantee £100 a month more on the pension at 75, over £130 a month for couples over 75, lifting a million pensioners out of means-testing at a stroke."

Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. It should guarantee everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least £105.45 for single pensioners and £160.95 a week for pensioner couples. You can apply for Pension Credit by calling the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234, textphone 0800 169 0133. Lines are open between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.