More Than 2000 Sutton Pensioners Let Down By Pension Credit

5.49.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 4th Feb 2005

Local MPs Paul Burstow and Tom Brake have discovered that around 2250 households in the London Borough of Sutton are likely to be eligible for the new Pension Credit but not receiving it.

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, commented:

"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."

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow added:

"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."

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