Local Pensioners Lobby MP in Parliament

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Sep 2003

Vincent Cable MP for Twickenham

A national pensioners lobby of parliament took place this week and MP Vincent Cable met representatives of the Richmond Pensioners Forum campaigning for higher pensions, less means testing and the right to continue collecting their pensions at the Post Office.

The Richmond Pensioners Forum was represented by Ron Cooper (79 Nelson Gardens Hounslow).

Vincent Cable said that Mr Cooper and other pensioners "had seen their pension increase of £2 a week for single people (£3.50 for couples) swallowed up by the big increase in local council tax in Richmond, utility bills and general rising costs of living."

"They are significantly worse off than a year ago unless they have access to the full range of means tested benefits which those on small occupational pensions do not, nor the

many who cannot fight their way through the form filling".

"The pensioners campaigning groups have an ambitious agenda but I would give priority to extra help for older pensioners; to those who are denied full pensions because of gaps in their contribution records; as well as a more generous basic pension".