Pensioners across Dumfries and Galloway are missing out on more than £11 million in unclaimed pension credit, a leading charity has revealed.

Independent Age estimate that £11.286 million in person credit is going unclaimed in Dumfries and Galloway amid the UK Conservative Government doing virtually nothing to ensure pensioners get the help that they need.

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit which tops up your weekly income if its below £167.25 (for a single person), or £255.25 (for a couple).

Across Scotland more than £300million is going unclaimed by 123,000 households.

Commenting on the figures South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said, “Under the previous Labour Government pensioner poverty was cut but it is now on the rise again. It is shocking that across Dumfries and Galloway our poorest pensioners are missing out on more than £11 million in vital support.

“The UK Government’s idea for encouraging people to apply for Pension Credit – an ‘online toolkit’ – would be laughable if this wasn’t so serious. The Tory Government must right this wrong immediately and do more to increase take-up of Pension Credit.”

Anybody who thinks they may be entitled to Pension Credit can telephone 0800 99 1234, textphone 0800 169 0133 or go to www.gov.uk/pension-credit for more information.