3 February 2005

Michael Howard Helps Constituent To Claim Pension Credit

Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard has intervened to help Mr Bruce Alexander of St. Nicholas Road, Littlestone, New Romney claim the Pension Credit to which he is entitled.

Mr Alexander came to Mr Howard’s regular constituency advice centre in New Romney on 11 December because he had not received his Pension Credit since 12 November. Mr Howard wrote to the Inland Revenue who apologised that Mr Alexander “had not received the standard of service he has a right to expect.” Once Mr Alexander turned 60 on 1 September 2004 he was no longer entitled to Income Support but instead could claim Pension Credit. There was then a delay in verifying Mr Alexander’s date of birth using his birth certificate which caused his payments to cease. The Inland Revenue confirmed to Mr Howard that Mr Alexander has since received all arrears due and future payments will be made into his Post Office Card account.

Mr Howard said: “For the two months during which he was left without Pension Credit Mr Alexander faced considerable difficulties. I am pleased that I was able to help him claim what he was entitled to.”