OTLEY’S MP is backing a campaign to ensure more people sign up for Pension Credits.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) is also calling on the Government to make sure that everyone who is entitled to the benefit receives it. Currently one in four entitled pensioners don’t receive pension credits - which in Leeds North West means an estimated £2,936,000 worth of credits are not being claimed.

Mr Sobel is supporting the Independent Age charity’s Credit Where Credit’s Due campaign which aims to boost the take-up rate. He said: “Many of my constituents have written to me with their concerns about this important issue; it is clear that the Government must ensure that everyone entitled to this assistance receives it. Pension credit can transform the lives of older people, allowing them to live with dignity and independence.”

According to Independent Age every year £3.5 billion of funds that the Government allocates to eradicating pensioner poverty is returned to the Treasury without being used.

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit that helps pensioners with things like heating, rent and mortgage payments.

To find out more call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.