WILTSHIRE pensioners claim the least amount of pensions credit in the south west, says an analysis by the GMB union.
Pensions credit is means tested and paid on top of the basic state pension of £83.80 a week.
The average weekly amount claimed in the region is £38.14, but the 14,600 claimants in Wiltshire receive just £35.19 each.
The GMB believes this figure will prove a key election issue.
South west regional secretary Richard Ascough said: "Britain's pensioners do not like having to claim means tested payments like the pensions credit.
"The National Pensioners Convention wants to see the basic state pension increased to £109.45 per week thus eliminating the need for means testing. Thereafter they want pensions linked to earnings."
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