THE rights of pensioners went under the spotlight at a Pension Action Forum held in Okehampton recently. Professor Steve Webb MP told the meeting the Government was writing to pensioners inviting them to pay £300 to make up for national insurance contributions which they have missed in the past, to enable them to receive a substantial increase in their pensions. Prof Webb said it was vital that pensioners did not miss out. He also said it was wrong for pressure to be placed on pensioners to give up their pension books, as they should have ?a genuine choice? whether to collect their pension at a post office or have it paid directly to a bank. David Walter, West Devon and Torridge Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate, also addressed the meeting. He said he believed there were three reforms which would make a huge difference to the lives of pensioners. These were abolishing council tax, increasing the pension by £25 for those over 75, and introducing free personal care for those who could no longer wash, dress or feed themselves.
