Pensioners are now receiving less than they did in 1950

10.51.46am GMT Wed 19th Dec 2007

Labour has let down Britain's pensioners over the last ten years.

The Liberal Democrats have released figures showing that pensioners now receive less than in 1950. The damning figures show that pensioners now receive only 15.9% of the average wage, compared to 18.4% in 1950.

According to the last Census more than a quarter of households (27.5%) in Herefordshire were recorded as pensioner households. Commenting on the Liberal Democrat research, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Hereford and South Herefordshire, Sarah Carr said:

"I am appalled that in today's modern world many pensioners in Herefordshire and across the country are struggling to be able to pay the bills, keep their homes warm and put food on the table. Our older residents ensured our freedom, have worked through times of great hardship and should be respected.

The Government should immediately restore the link between pensions and earnings as a first step towards providing a decent state pension.

The current benefit system is too complicated and the Pension Credit is failing to reach many pensioners. Common sense is required. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I urge the government to undertake radical reform and introduce a Single Working Age Benefit to help all our pensioners."

Sarah Carr and the Liberal Democrats are also campaigning to axe the unfair council tax which many pensioners find difficult to pay.