PENSIONER POVERTY

That this House notes the recent report by Help the Aged which says that one-fifth of elderly people feel they are living in poverty; recognises that the report highlighted the fact that around half of over 65 year olds fail to claim the benefits they are entitled to, with 47 per cent. of pensioners failing to claim the council tax benefit to which they are entitled; congratulates the Government on measures to reduce pensioner poverty such as the Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Allowance and free bus travel; but calls on the Government to make extra efforts to ensure that pensioners claim their full entitlement of benefits in addition to looking to increase the Winter Fuel Allowance and to provide assistance to pensioners to meet rising council tax bills.