THOUSANDS of pensioners in Huddersfield will see their pensions rise by £5.31 next April.

But the increase – triggered by yesterday’s shock news that inflation has hit a record high of 5.2% – will still leave many struggling.

Pensioners’ organisations insist the planned rises of £5.31 for a single person and £8.49 for a couple will not ease their situation.

An Age UK spokesman said: “Pensioners are living on very restricted incomes. They are also at home for much of the time and need to keep their houses warm, so their fuel bills are higher than for many people.

“We already get many pensioners coming to us needing help and I cannot see that easing”.

Noreen Logan, of the Huddersfield Pensioners’ Association, said: “It’s going to make little difference. Prices of everything, including fuel and food, are soaring and 5% will not have any impact.”

Inflation matched its record high last month, official figures revealed, hitting the Government with a hefty bill for increased state benefits and highlighting the tough conditions faced by households.