In the wake of the government and BBC scrapping free TV licences for the over-75s Independent Age has revealed that 1,300,000 (four in 10) people entitled to Pension Credit are not receiving it.

This is important as only those receiving pension credit will be entitled to the TV licence concession in the future.

Research from Independent Age has highlighted that there is over £6million of Pension Credit that goes unclaimed each year across Dagenham, Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park.

This is having a devastating impact on the most vulnerable in our communities, leaving almost two million nationwide aged 65 and older living in poverty today.

The sheer amount of unclaimed Pension Credit tells me that there are a lot of vulnerable people across Dagenham and Rainham not getting the support they are entitled to.

My worry is that with the added cost of a TV licence, many not claiming will be pushed into poverty.

I'm urging people of pension age across Dagenham and Rainham to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit today by calling the Pension Credit Line on 0800 99 1234.

I have also joined Independent Age in their call on government to simplify the application process and develop a

more effective system working alongside elderly people.