A new report shows that across South Ribble Constituency the poorest pensioners missed out on £3,985,000 of pension credit in 2016/17.

The poorest pensioners have missed out on £7 billion of Pension Credit since the last election, which means vulnerable people are being left without much-needed income.

This comes on top of a Social care system in crisis under the Tories as the impact of eight years of cuts to council budgets have resulted in falling care quality and care packages being cut or rationed.

Kim Snape Labour’s candidate for South Ribble said:

“Older people across South Ribble Constituency should check whether they are eligible for pension credit to ensure that they are getting what they are entitled to.

“This government seems happy for this money to go unclaimed even though it can be a lifeline for older people struggling to get by.  This Tory government is too chaotic to look after the people in our communities who need it most.”

Jack Dromey MP, Labour’s Shadow Pensions Minister, said:

“The last Labour Government cut pensioner poverty consistently because we introduced Pension Credit, but the Tories have callously allowed pensioner poverty to rise once again.

“The Tories’ idea for encouraging people to apply for Pension Credit – an “online toolkit” – would be laughable if this wasn’t so serious. No one should be surprised that usage of that website has drastically declined.

“The Government must right this wrong immediately and do more to increase take-up of Pension Credit.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Independent Age’s report Credit where it’s due: Ending the £3.5 billion Pension Credit scandal was published  on Wednesday 26 June. For further information relating to local data, please contact: media@independentage.org

For further comment contact Kim on 07868 327395 kim@kimsnape.org.uk