MP Elliot Colburn is backing a campaign to increase the take-up for Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is designed to tackle "pensioner poverty" by providing additional support for elderly people.

Currently, just six in 10 people (61 per cent) who are entitled to this payment are receiving it, according to older people’s charity Independent Age.

Elliot Colburn says more than 1,276 households in his constituency alone, who are entitled to the benefit do not receive it.

New research Loughborough University, commissioned and published by Independent Age, shows that across Britain, the extra costs for taxpayers for those eligible for Pension Credit not receiving it is an estimated £4 billion per year for the NHS and care services.

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Elliot Colburn said: “I have been working with Independent Age – as well as our fantastic local organisations like Age UK Sutton, Sutton Volunteer Centre, Community Action Sutton – throughout Covid-19 to explore the best ways to support our older residents.

“I know that Ministers take this matter very seriously, and earlier this year the Department for Work & Pensions launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit, encouraging everyone over State Pension age to check whether they are eligible.

“I am pleased that the Government has developed the Pension Credit 'toolkit' as an online resource for people in order to encourage take-up, which includes material from this year’s awareness campaign.

"As well as resources and suggestions to assist agencies and welfare rights organisations to encourage Pension Credit take-up and help pensioners apply for Pension Credit.

“There is more to do to reach 100 per cent take-up, and I would encourage all residents in our area to check whether they are eligible.

“I will continue to support Independent Age, and all organisations working to support older residents, on behalf of my constituents.”