Lib Dems call for pension reform as thousands miss out under Labour's credit system

11.23.45pm GMT Sat 26th Nov 2005

New figures from the Department of Work and Pensions on the take up of Pension Credit suggest that some 1,900 pensioners in the Vauxhall constituency are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Anthony Bottrall said:"It is a scandal that so many poorer older people are missing out on money they should be getting as of right. And for the Vauxhall and north Lambeth area, this scandal represents a loss to the local economy of as much as £124,000.

"In the short term, I hope everyone who is unsure about their entitlements rings the Pension Service helpline* to find out if they are missing out.

"In the long term, we need to provide pensioners with a decent pension that isn't falling further and further below the poverty line each year."

The Liberal Democrats recently unveiled their proposals for pension reform - for more details, see http://www.libdems.org.uk/benefits/

*Calls to the Pension Credit application line are freephone: 0800 99 1234. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am - 8pm and Saturdays 9am - 1pm