Pensioner fightback in Spain

By Wendy Williams

A GROUP of British pensioners have united in a bid to improve their struggling financial situation.

British Pensioners Abroad (BPA) is pushing for a non-means tested state pension of at least £175 (200 euros) per week – the so-called UK poverty level.

“In Spain we are faced with the triple whammy of a fall in the value of the pound against the euro, the fact that pensioners living outside the UK do not qualify for top ups, and the ever increasing cost of living,” explained Rachelle Hughes, 67, who lives with her husband in Benalmadena.

“Many British pensioners, particularly widows and single women, are really struggling to make ends meet. It is an absolute disgrace.

“All our working lives we paid national insurance. At the very least, we are entitled to a pension above the poverty level,” she added.

Now the lobby group, affiliated to Pensioners Campaign UK, wants to bring British pensions in line with the EU average.

It is calling on pensioners around Spain to join the campaign.

“There are already over three million affiliated to the campaign. With 14 million current UK pensioners we should certainly have some influence in the next general election,” concluded Hughes.

For more information visit: www.pensionercampaignuk.org.uk