THE HOUSE of Commons Social Security Select Committee has announced it is undertaking a report into pension poverty, and as a member of that committee I would welcome comments on the wide range of issues involved.

What do your readers think of the support offered through the minimum income guarantee; winter fuel payments; should increases concentrate on the poorest pensioners or be spread across all; how can we best help pensioners with small occupational pensions which disqualify them for the minimum income guarantee etc?

The Department of Social Security has recently published a detailed report into pensioner incomes in this country. It shows average pensioner incomes have risen above the rate of rise in earnings, but the gap between poor pensioners and wealthier pensioners is widening as more people retire with generous occupational pensions.

There are many areas of concern that need to be looked at carefully to make sure that we lift pensioners out of poverty and also plan for the future.

I regularly meet with local pensioners but I would welcome views from your readers so the voice of the Fylde Coast is heard in the debate in Westminster on this very important issue.

Joan Humble MP,

Constituency Office,

216 Lord Street,

Fleetwood

FY8 6SW