Flocking to Pension Credit protest

THOUSANDS of pensioners are today expected to join protests around Britain calling for a boost to their income on the day the means-tested Pension Credit comes into effect.

The Government says the credit will target cash for the poorest pensioners but campaigners argue that many will find it too complicated to claim.

The National Pensions Convention (NPC) warned that Government helplines manned by about 1,500 staff to advise on eligibility were a 'recipe for chaos'. The Department for Work and Pensions say they do not anticipate a problem.

The NPC has organised a series of nationwide protests to demand a higher basic state pension as an alternative. They expect thousands to turn out at events, including a march in London later today.