The number of pensioners living on the poverty line will be reduced by a new initiative to help them claim the money they are entitled to.

That was the promise of Government minister Alistair Darling, who chose Clacton as the venue to launch the improved scheme.

The Secretary of State for Social Security said despite the Government putting the minimum income in place, many pensioners were missing out due to the difficulty of making a claim.

A 40-page form is to be replaced by a ten-page user-friendly document which should greatly improve the take-up concerning the Government.

"Although we have introduced a minimum income guarantee we estimate there are still around two million pensioners living on the poverty line," he said.

"That figure will be raised to £92 per week in April to ensure we lift many of them out of that situation. Equally importantly, we will show them how we have made it easier for them to claim that entitlement."

Mr Darling was in Clacton to meet pensioners from across Tendring at Clacton Town Hall.

He also explained how pension credit would be brought in from 2003, which meant those who had savings would not be penalised.

"The problem that many face is that they have worked hard all their lives and have an occupational pension and because they have money in the bank they get no extra help," he added.

Parents and children in a deprived area of Clacton will benefit from a new scheme set up to improve the opportunities open to them.

And they got the chance to tell Government minister Alistair Darling exactly what they hoped to gain from the Government Sure Start initiative.

Jaywick and the West of Clacton were picked as one of 200 programmes across the country which were able to lock into a pot of £452 million.

About £700,000 is already being pumped into upgrading health, educational, childcare and employment opportunities.

Paving the way - Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Social Security, with Harwich MP Ivan Henderson and mother Danielle Macey, holding five-month-old Shanai, at the launch of the Government's new Sure Start programme.

Picture: TERRY WEEDEN

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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