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Campaign launched to end veterans' poverty

08/09/2008

The Royal British Legion is calling on the government to bring UK pensioners out of poverty as energy and food prices soar with its campaign, Return to Rationing?

According to the charity, one-third of the ex-Service community over the age of 65 have an income that is inadequate to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Return to Rationing? is being launched at the Dig for Victory exhibit in London's St James's Park.

Director general of The Royal British Legion, Chris Simpkins, said: "We all thought rationing was history.

"But we were wrong. Even the Chancellor says we're facing the worst economic climate in 60 years and this has a crushing impact on older people.

"The government must give them the help they deserve - making it easier for them to access their entitlements and giving them a level of income to ensure their basic needs are met."

The Royal Legion is asking the government to provide a package of council tax benefit improvements; make war pensioners exempt from disabled facility grant (DFG) means testing; and double the personal expense allowance for care home residents.

The national campaign is supported by war hero Eugene Lynch, 92, who saw action in India and Burma; and John Walker, 78, who served 19 years for Queen and country.

Mr Walker said: "I am dreading the winter; it really is the worst time for me.

"I can only afford to turn on my heating for an hour a day. At the age of 78 - after 19 years of Service to this country - why should I have to scrimp and save?"