4-09-03

John Barrett launches new campaign over pension credit

John Barrett, Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh West, has launched a new campaign to encourage local pensioners to apply for the new pension credit being introduced next month. 

The Government estimates that almost 30,000 pensioners in Edinburgh will be eligible for the new pension credit but admits that almost 8,000 pensioners will not claim it and miss out.    

Pension Credit is a new entitlement that is being introduced from October 2003 in place of the Minimum Income Guarantee and will also give extra money to pensioners with small amounts of savings and private pensions.  Pensioners are able to apply for it now.

Commenting, John Barrett said:

"I have today launched a major campaign to try to make sure that all pensioners in our area who are entitled to the new Pension Credit actually claim it. 

"Shockingly, the Government has said it expects one million pensioners around the country will fail to claim the Pension Credit.  This means that  around 8,000 of the poorest pensioners in Edinburgh may not get the cash due to them.  This cannot be allowed to happen.

"Many pensioners are not aware of the Pension Credit but it is important that pensioners apply now so that they receive it on time.  The Government plans to write to pensioners over the next year but, given the incompetent way it has handled the tax credits change, it cannot be relied upon to inform pensioners of their options in time.

"I will be working hard over the coming months to tell local pensioners in my constituency about the pension credit being introduced and to help people to apply now.

"I urge everyone over 60 to apply for the pension credit now, so that come October, they will not be left out.  Local people should ring the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 for further information or write to my constituency office at 1a Drum Brae Avenue, Edinburgh."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. The Pension Service will write to Pensioners between April 2003 and June 2004. The Pension Credit will be introduced in October 2003.  Those who apply before October 2004 will be able to backdate their claim. 

2. The Government's expects 2.8 million of the 9 million pensioners to take up Pension Credit in 2004.  It has said that 3.8 million people are entitled to it.

3. People can phone the Pension Service to apply for Pension Credit on 0800 99 1234.

4. The Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 or over an income of at least £102.10 a week if you are single or £155.80 a week if you have a partner.  Pension Credit will give new money to those who have saved - up to: £14.79 if you are single or £19.20 a week if you have a partner.