Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has welcomed the largest ever increase in Basic State Pension for 22,765 pensioners across the constituency, after he successfully lobbied Government Ministers for the increase.
The increase comes into effect following Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s commitment to the pensions Triple Lock in November 2022, as the Government announced an increase of 10.1%.
This increase is the biggest ever cash rise in the state pension and will automatically be applied to pensioners’ payments, as the Government continues to support people across the country with cost of living pressures.
Dr Evans has also called on pensioners across Hinckley and Bosworth to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which is worth an extra £3,300 on average per year.
Pension Credit is a top up for the most vulnerable pensioners. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, the Pension Credit will help people in Bosworth access a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free TV licence for over-75s.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on the Gov.uk website or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “Last year I repeatedly raised the importance of honouring the commitment to the triple lock with both the Chancellor and Pensions Secretary, so I’m pleased that the promise to support thousands of pensioners across our community has been kept – given they are on a fixed income.
“This will give pensioners a much needed uplift in their incomes and ensure their pension is not devalued by the effects of global price rises and is part of wider support for example, where the Government has been subsiding roughly 50% of households energy bills over the winter.
“If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for Pension Credit, a gateway to additional cost of living support from the Government, please call 0800 99 1234 to check your eligibility.”
Laura Trott MP, Pensions Minister, said “The effect of rising prices has been particularly challenging for the most vulnerable pensioners many of whom live on fixed incomes.
“That is why the Government has delivered on our commitment to protect the Triple Lock, giving 12.5 million pensioners an inflationary increase in their pension payments of 10.1% from April.
“Protecting pensioners’ incomes from the effects of rising prices is a central part of our Conservative commitment to supporting the most vulnerable as we deliver on the Prime Minister’s five priorities.”
