New figures on the take up of Pension Credit show that over 1,600 pensioners in the Harlow constituency are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs.

Local Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lorna Spenceley, who was the candidate for Harlow at the last General Election, said:

"It is a scandal that so many poorer older people are missing out on money they should be getting as of right. And for Harlow, this represents a loss to the local economy of as much as £63,357.

In the short term, I hope everyone who is unsure about their entitlements rings the Pension Service helpline to find out if they are missing out.

In the long term, we need to provide pensioners with a decent pension that isn't falling further and further below the poverty line each year."

The Pension Credit application line is (freephone) 0800 99 1234. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am - 8pm and Saturdays 9am - 1pm.