Pension Service Cuts ‘Disgraceful’

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has criticised the Government after the decision was made to cut face to face pensions advice in Torbay.

Weekly surgeries in Paignton and Torquay Connections currently allow pensioners who want advice on any state pension issue to see an advisor.  This service will now close in March, with pensioners being referred to a call centre in Swansea.

Adrian has written to Pensions Minister Yvette Cooper demanding the decision be looked at again following concerns raised by the local Age Concern branch.

Adrian said, “With problems always arising with complex national computer systems such as the pension system, it is essential to provide help to deal with these problems.  It is clearly best to provide a face to face service, especially for frail or vulnerable residents and if these cuts go through there will be an added burden for charities such as Age Concern.  It is disgraceful of the Government to have such little regard for Torbay’s pensioners.”