MAKERFIELD MP and Minister of State for Pensions Ian McCartney says he is committed to making life better for the elderly.

Previously Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, Mr McCartney MP has been appointed Minister of State for Pensions for the new Department of Work and Pensions.

He will also continue his role in the Better Government for Older People Initiative, which was launched in 1998 to improve public services for older people.

Mr McCartney said: "I am committed to improving the position of older people, indeed as Pensions Minister, one of my objectives is to modernise the pensions system and the delivery of government services to make a real difference for both today's and tomorrow's pensioners."

Known as the Life Episode for Pensioners and Retirement, the new service offers information for everybody from the young to the young at heart, a guide to lead you up to and through retirement.

Divided into four main stages, pension and Retirement gives a wide range of information on planning for your retirement, approaching retirement, reaching statutory retirement and being retired whether voluntary or statutory.

Mr McCartney said: "Choosing the right pension scheme is one of the most important decisions that an individual will make in their lifetime.

"At the minute, however, most people just don't know where to start when it comes to planning for their retirement.

"This service gives access to clear, helpful and simple information."