Ex-pats around the world unite to fight pension freezing

By Tony Watts - Editor - 05/01/2007

Over 500,000 British pensioners around the world have had their State pension frozen at the level it was when they left the UK… because they now live in Commonwealth countries.

Where those people who have moved to EU countries see their pensions go up each year in line with inflation, those who opted for countries like Australia and Canada do not. Some pensioners have not had their pensions increased for over 20 years.

Amongst those feeling the worst effects are those who retired to countries like Zimbabwe to be with their families, and do not have enough to even buy basics.

This totally unfair and anomalous situation could be changed with the stroke of a pen by Government; but despite lobbying by ex-pats from around the world and by the National Pensioners Convention, nothing is happening.

The Liberal Democrats have also tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament, and there is an “e-petition” which you can be signed on the Prime Minister’s website.

Mature Times is now acting as a voice for all these people – and for those many UK citizens who want to move to Commonwealth countries to be close to their families, but cannot afford to.

In this section of the campaign website we provide the background on the situation, and there’s a link to a video outlining the situation.

If you are living overseas and have a story to tell, email editorial@maturetimes.co.uk - and add YOUR voice to this vital campaign.