John Battle MP for Leeds West can confirm that tackling pensioner poverty, and ensuring that all pensioners in Leeds West share in the nation's prosperity is his and one of the Government's national economic priorities.

John Battle says

"Pensioners in Leeds West, many of whom have worked hard all their lives deserve security in their retirement. Already 3300 pensioners in my constituency receive the Minimum Income Guarantee, which tackles pensioner poverty by guaranteeing a minimum weekly income of £92.15, a great improvement on the £68.80, which was the maximum those in greatest need could receive under the Tories.

I can confirm that this year pensioners will be paid the £200 Winter Fuel Payment and we will continue to give free television licences to pensioners at 75. We have raised the state pension by £5 this year (£8 for couples), and next year it will rise by £3 (£4.80 for couples.)

We propose to introduce Pensioner Credit to assist those with modest savings, and from 2003 the Minimum Income Guarantee will be £100 a week - this means that from then on a single pensioner with an income of less than £100 from pensions or savings will get their income made up to that level. They will keep their entitlement to their full housing and council benefit.

On Saturday 4th August I will be attending Bramley Elderly Action's Garden Party at their offices on Bramley Town Street where I will have the opportunity to talk to many of my older constituents. I am delighted to be in a position to assure them that this Government is determined to tackle pensioner poverty and that it is at the top of our economic priorities. I welcome the feedback I receive from my constituents, and I know that pensioners do recognise and appreciate the steps the Labour Government has taken to ensure their financial security. I can assure them that we will continue to do so."

On Saturday 4th August I will be attending Bramley Elderly Action's Garden Party at their offices on Bramley Town Street where I will have the opportunity to talk to many of my older constituents. I am delighted to be in a position to assure them that this Government is determined to tackle pensioner poverty and that it is at the top of our economic priorities. I welcome the feedback I receive from my constituents, and I know that pensioners do recognise and appreciate the steps the Labour Government has taken to ensure their financial security. I can assure them that we will continue to do so."

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