MP DISCOVERS PENSION CREDIT TAKE UP IN HEREFORD GRINDING TO A HALT

9.59.53am GMT Tue 15th Feb 2005

Local Lib Dem MP, Paul Keetch, has discovered that there are likely to be in the region of 1,706 households in Hereford eligible for the new Pension Credit but not receiving it.

"The Labour Government should be ashamed that so many of this country's poorest pensioners are still living so far beneath the poverty line. Things have gone from bad to worse with the new Pension Credit.

"These figures show that our worst fears are being realised - large numbers of vulnerable pensioners are set to miss 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."

"Pensioners continue to get a bad deal from this Government. 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 good basic pension."

ENDS