Local pensioners could be losing out on share of £2million

10.31.38am GMT Tue 8th Feb 2005

As many as 1,100 pensioner households in Woodspring Constituency could be losing out on their share of £2 million worth of Pension Credit, according to local Liberal Democrat Prospective MP, Mike Bell.

Mike commented:

"Pensioners continue to get a poor deal from this Government. Many pensioners have said they find the Pension Credit application process complex and confusing. Rather than forcing pensioners to apply for means-tested benefits the Government should be making sure that every pensioner gets a good basic pension, payable as of right.

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

Notes:

Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over. It guarantees single pensioners an income of at least £105.45 a week and £160.95 a week for pensioner couples. Pension Credit can be applied for by calling the Freephone line on 0800 99 1234, textphone 0800 169 0133. Lines are open between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9am and 1pm on Saturday.

Take up of Pension Credit is about 70 per cent across the country. Official figures show that 2,885 households in Woodspring Constituency are receiving Pension Credit. The figure of 1,100 households that could be missing out makes the assumption that the local take-up rate reflects the national one. The average weekly payment in Woodspring is £36.83 per household.

Mike Bell is the prospective Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Woodspring Constituency. He lives in Kenn, near Clevedon and is a North Somerset Councillor.