Valley pensioners miss out on £4m
ROSSENDALE’ S poorest pensioners are being deprived of millions of pounds in unclaimed pension credits, according to new figures.
The new report by Independent Age shows that in Rossendale and Darwen the poorest pensioners missed out on £4.38 million of pension credit in 2016/17.
Alyson Barnes, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency, joined the charity in calling for the government to do more to ensure our OAPs receive what they are entitled to.
She said: “This government seems happy for this money to go unclaimed even though it can be a lifeline for older people struggling to get by.
“The Tory government is too chaotic to look after the people in our communities who need it most.
“Older people in Rossendale and Darwen should check whether they are eligible for pension credit to
ensure that they are getting what they are entitled to.
“There are organisations like Citizens Advice who can help with this and people can contact them by phoning 0300 456 2552.”
Pension Credit is extra money for pensioners to bring their weekly income up to a minimum amount - £167.25pw for single people and £255.25 for a couple.
Some OAPs may also be eligible for savings credit.
George McNamara, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, said pensioners who have worked hard their whole lives should not have to worry constantly about basic living costs.
He said: “The fact that Rossendale and Darwen pensioners are missing out on more than £4.3 million per year is a scandal.
“It is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that pensioners in Rossendale and Darwen and across the country are aware of their entitlements, and receive the Pension Credit that they are due.”
However, Rossendale MP Jake Berry defended the government’s record on pensions. He said: “I agree that it’s incredibly important that older people across Rossendale receive the support they are entitled to so they can enjoy dignity and security in their retirement.
“That’s why I organise events like my Pensioner’s Advice and Information Fair that I held only last week in Rawtenstall.”
Mr Berry added: “Thanks to the ‘triple-lock’ the basic State Pension will be worth over £1,600 more this year than it was in 2010 in cash terms - that’s £675 more than if it had been increased only in line with earnings and a far cry from the last Labour government that one year only increased pensions by 75p!”
The MP said those eligible for Pension Credit will still receive a free TV licence, despite it being removed as an automatic right for all over-75s under BBC funding cuts.
He added: “Quite frankly if they can afford to pay stars like Gary Lineker almost £2 million a year - the BBC should look at this issue again.”