Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, today told members of the Pensioners Convention that pensioners, after a lifetime of work or caring responsibilities, deserve a retirement, free of worries about making ends meet. The MP said the Government had done a huge amount since 1997 but much more still needs to be done.

Pensioners from all over the country arrived at Westminster today to press the case for higher pensions.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: “I have long argued for the restoration of the link between pensions and earnings which was broken years ago by Margaret Thatcher. The Government is committed to up rating the basic state pension by earnings in 2012. I’d like to see this happen before then.”

The MP added: “A big change is happening this month. Claiming benefits is being made simpler – and about time too. Pensioners will be able to claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit entirely over the phone, in one call, without having to fill in or sign a claim form.”

Note to Editors: Since 1997, 900,000 pensioners have been lifted out of relative poverty and 1.9m out of absolute poverty.

In 1997 the poorest pensioners lived on £69 a week - today pension credit means no pensioner need live on less than £124 a week - £189 for couples.

Since 1997, average net pensioner incomes have increased by 29% – compared with earnings growth of 16%.

We now spend around £12 billion a year more on pensioners than we would have done if 1997 policies had continued. Around half of this is going to the poorest third of pensioners.

Other support provided to pensioners includes: free bus passes – benefits 11m pensioners; free TV licences (over75s) – benefits 3.5m pensioners and free eye tests

Winter Fuel Payments are worth £200 for households with a person aged 60 or over; £300 for households with a person aged 80 or over. This winter there is an additional £50 for households 60-79 and £100 for households 80 and over.