OLDER people do not have much to look forward to in the Budget this year. The basic state pension is to increase by a pitiful 75p in April, leaving pensioners with £67.50 a week.

This is compared to average earnings, in some parts of the country, of £400 per week. In light of the devaluing pension, Age Concern England is stepping up its campaign to improve older people's retirement income.

We would urge any older person who is having difficulty managing on their income, or their relatives, to contact their local Age Concern organisation for information about claiming extra money. Details are usually in the telephone directory.

It is scandalous that up to £1.7 billion in income-related benefits is going unclaimed by older people, often because they do not realise they are entitled or do not know how to apply for it.

We would also like to hear from any older people who are willing to talk about how they spend their weekly income to help build up a true picture of how pensioners survive in Britain today. Those who can help should write to me.

RHIAN BEYNON, Public Affairs Department, Age Concern England, Astral House, 1268

London Road, London SW16 4ER.

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