Barrett and Crockart back Citizens Pension

23 February 2010

Edinburgh West MP John Barrett and Liberal Democrat PPC Mike Crockart have today called for a sustainable pension for all British pensioners without the need to apply for demeaning benefits.

John has condemned the complicated nature of the Pensions Credit claim form, which is over 18 pages long, and sympathised with the many pensioners who refrained from claiming because they found it complicated and demeaning.

John said,

‘Almost 2 million pensioners are living in poverty because they do not get the benefits they are entitled to’

‘The problem is that failure to claim Pensions Credit means that other benefits pensioners could be entitled to, like housing benefit, council tax relief and cold weather payments – all with similarly complicated forms – are denied.’

‘What we need is a Citizens’ Pension which will give everyone who has contributed to make this country what it is today a living income.’

Liberal Democrat Westminster candidate for Edinburgh West Mike Crockart added,

‘Britain has the lowest pension as a percentage of the average wage of all G7 countries at 31%, but 2/3 of people expect to live on the State Pension alone when they retire.

£97.65 for a single person and £156.15 for a couple just won’t cut it. The Conservatives cut the earnings link and Labour has continued this, although they plan to restore it in 2016. However, that does nothing to help today’s pensioners who are struggling with rising fuel bills and falling behind the standard of living of those in work.

ENDS