Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris has expressed deep concern at the move by the London Government to prevent hard up pensioners from claiming the benefits to which they are entitled after a three month window. Currently benefits can be backdated to up to a year, ensuring that pensioners do not lose out on claiming their money. However, in an effort to save money, the Treasury has ruled that from October 6th claims for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit will only be backdated by three months.

Commenting, Bob Doris MSP said: "Rising petrol prices and food costs are hurting families across Glasgow and pensioners are being hit more than most . This is the worst possible time for the UK Government to be targeting vulnerable pensioners in order to save itself some money. After the hash they made of the 10p tax rate you would think they would learn.

"Their focus should be making sure all pensioners entitled to claim benefit do so, rather than denying them the money they are rightly due."

"The most recent estimate shows that over 45,000 pensioners in Glasgow receive pension credit. However the clock is ticking for everyone else that has yet to claim and I'm sure everyone will help encourage those that think they are entitled to apply before its too late. Anyone that believes they may qualify for any of these benefits should claim before October 6th this year or they will lose out up to 9 months of backdated money. Pensioners in Glasgow and across Scotland could lose hundreds of pounds because of this move.

"The UK Government needs to have a change of heart."

Notes:

1. From October, it is estimated that 100,000 people applying for pension credit, council tax benefit or housing benefit will only be able to have their claims

backdated for three months, rather than the twelve months that is presently possible – potentially some households will lose out by as much as £2000.

2. latest DWP figures for pension credit here along with Glasgow figures.

Pension Credit Recipients March 2005
GlasgowAnniesland      5,225             
Glasgow Baillieston      5,000 
Glasgow Cathcart         4,215 
Glasgow Govan            4,180 
Glasgow Kelvin              3,725 
Glasgow Maryhill           5,620 
Glasgow Pollok              5,230 
Glasgow Rutherglen      4,790 
Glasgow Shettleston     6,195 
Glasgow Springburn      6,415