Nearly 500,000 elderly British expatriates are campaigning for the uprating of their frozen state pensions, warning they face poverty. The pensions of those who emigrated to certain countries have not been increased for up to 70 years, except where reciprocal agreements exist.
Second World War veteran Anne Puckridge, 98, who moved to Canada to be near family, receives just £72.50 per week. Had she stayed in the UK, her pension would rise to £156.20 from April. She said: 'I served my country and paid National Insurance contributions every week just like everyone else. I consider this theft.'
The government has resisted such deals due to an estimated £640 million annual cost to the £110 billion pensions bill. However, the International Consortium of British Pensioners suggests a partial uprating would cost only £30 million.
Former pensions minister Ros Altmann noted the UK has a legal right to withhold uprating, but called the policy 'rather harsh'. Dennis Reed of Silver Voices added: 'It is scandalous that UK citizens who have paid their dues are now on the poverty breadline.'
A government spokesperson said: 'We continue to uprate state pensions overseas where there is a legal requirement to do so. We provide clear information about how moving abroad can impact finances.'
