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Hundred of pensioners a day falling into poverty

10/06/2008

New government figures show 300,000 pensioners fell into poverty over the course of the last twelve months.

The data means 822 pensioners become poverty-stricken every day.

Mervyn Kohler, special adviser for Help the Aged, said: "When older people live on a fixed income it is virtually impossible for them to pull themselves out of poverty.

"Pensioners often have to cut back on essential household items, just to survive."

The group is accusing the government of sitting on £5 billion of unclaimed benefits for old people every year.

"While this figure may make the chancellor rub his hands together with glee, this daylight robbery of older people must not be allowed to continue," Mr Kohler continued.

"It is up to the government to ensure older people get the benefits they're entitled to and these should be paid automatically."