Pension credit is now due (From Gazette Series)

Pension credit is now due

SIR - A tyotal of 1,599 Stroud pensioners are not receiving pension credit and are entitled to it.

This statistic based on the uptake in Stroud constituency and, assuming that eligibility is similar across the country, is a shameful indictment of the benefit process so loved by this government. Pensioners are people and there are many reasons why individuals are not receiving their due.

The Liberal Democrats would aim to increase the state pension so that there would not be, for most people, the need to claim. We would start by in our first term in government increasing it by £25 pounds a week for the over 75s, thus lifting over a one million from the humiliating need for means-testing.

We also aim to make it available as a right based only on residence, thus avoiding the problem of those who have insufficient years of employment to qualify because of, for instance, caring responsibilities.

While the credit system remains in place I would encourage everyone over 60 who is entitled to it to apply. If your total pension is less than £105.45 for single pensioners and £160.95 a week for pensioner couples, then you should consider an application.

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.

Dr Peter Hirst Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Stroud The Liberal Rooms Parsonage Street Dursley