GOVAN MP Mohammad Sarwar launches a consultation of senior citizens in Glasgow tomorrow - Saturday 10th February.

The Labour MP will be on the streets asking the views of local pensioners:

Govan Cross Centre, Govan Road 11.00am - 12.00noon

Shawlands Arcade, Kilmarnock Road 1.00pm - 2.00pm

Mr Sarwar said: "Labour is now consulting pensioners across Scotland about the proposed Pension Credit. All comments will be fed back to Alistair Darling at our next meeting in early March. This is a great opportunity for pensioners in Glasgow and across Scotland to have their say."

Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Social Security, met Scottish MPs earlier this week and discussed plans to introduce a new Pension Credit in 2003, rewarding pensioners who have saved for their retirement.

Mr Sarwar added: "Where people have worked hard all their lives and have a small amount in the bank or a modest occupational pension, they miss out on any extra help from the state. I think that's unfair and I know that pensioners in my constituency agree with me.
"I am very pleased that the Pension Credit will change this and reward instead of penalising pensioners who have saved. Senior citizens with moderate savings or personal or occupational pensions will get an extra cash top up for every pound they have saved in addition to their state pension. Single pensioners with an income of up to £135 and couples with an income of up to £200 will benefit.

If you want more information you can contact Mohammad Sarwar
on
0141 427 5250
or write to his constituency office at 247 Paisley Road West, Glasgow G51 1NE.

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Notes:

What does the Pension Credit do?
a.. No pensioner will get less than the decent minimum they need to live on .The Minimum Income Guarantee will rise to £92.15 this April and to £100 in 2002.
b.. On top of that when the Pension Credit is introduced in 2003, people who have saved to get a small or moderate income in addition to their basic state pension will be rewarded with a top-up payment from the state.
c.. The old capital rules will be abolished. Eligibility for the Pension Credit will be determined by the size of your income, not your savings.
d.. Weekly means tests will go. Assessment of pensioner's incomes will become more like those done under the tax system.

Who will benefit?
a.. We expect it will benefit all single pensioners with incomes up to £135 a week and all pensioner couples with incomes up to £200.

When will it come in?
a.. The Government plans to introduce the Pension Credit from 2003.