WOMEN in pensioner couples receive just 32p in income for every pound received by their male counterparts, according to research highlighted by Age Concern Swindon.

The charity says the state pension system is littered with obstacles for women trying to build up pensions in their own right.

It says past and current pension rules give men more credit towards their state pensions during their working lives because of an assumption that women will have remained at home to raise families, leaving men as the main breadwinners.

The greater tendency for men to have private pensions is also a factor.

And the net result can be that female pensioners end up having to rely on their husbands for material support during retirement.

Age Concern Swindon director Jo Osorio said: "Pensioner poverty is a huge challenge for the Government, and central to this must be the needs of women pensioners.

"Nearly a quarter of female single pensioners already live in poverty, and twice as many women as men rely on the means-tested Minimum Income Guarantee.

"This is unacceptable and must be urgently addressed by the Government as part of pension reform.

"Unless there is serious policy change, the future looks no brighter for tomorrow's pensioners than today's."

The Age Concern research was carried out in conjunction with pensions experts the Fawcett Society.

Age Concern Swindon, which is based in Milton Road, offers advice and help on all issues affecting senior citizens.

It can be contacted on Swindon 692166.