John Denham

Welcome to the website of John Denham

John Denham has been representing Southampton Itchen in Parliament since 1992. 

He is currently Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. 

On this website you'll find news about what John's been up to in both Southampton and Westminster. 

You can get in touch with John on constituency issues by following the link below.

 

Pensioners

This is a letter about the real help now available to pensioners

Dear Constituent

I wanted to get in touch to let you know about the extra help for pensioners that the Government announced at the end of last year. You should have already had a £10 Christmas bonus in December, as you do every year, but this year you will also be getting an extra £60, which should have been paid as a one-off bonus into your pension by the end of next week [week beginning 2 February].

Everybody is very worried about the economy is not doing as well as it has been. Whilst the global financial crisis started in America, its here in Southampton that we all need to pay our bills and that’s why I am determined to get you more cash in these tough times. 

That’s why I supported pensioners getting the extra £60 boost this January. The Tories say we should do nothing to help people in Southampton and have opposed our measures, but the Labour Government is putting extra money in every pensioner’s pocket regardless.

By now you should also have received your increased Winter Fuel Payments. Households with someone aged between 60 and 79 will get £250; and £400 for households with someone 80 and over. If you haven’t received your Winter Fuel Payments, there is still time to sign up. Call 08459 15 15 15.

On top of this Labour has increased the Basic State Pension.  From April, the State Pension will go up by 5%, so if you are on a full pension it will go up to more than £95. The Pension Credit will increase by the highest amount ever, up from £124 to £130 per week.

In these tough times, I know you need a little extra. That’s why I’m so pleased the Government has been able to provide this real help now. But we will not be complacent – for example, we will keep looking at how we help people with their fuel bills and working with energy companies to make sure you get the best deal possible.

If you want talk to me about any of this, or any other matter please get in touch.

Yours sincerely

John Denham MP

Southampton Itchen