HUDDERSFIELD Labour MP Barry Sheerman has reacted angrily to Tory claims that the new government Pension Credit scheme was a "gimmick."
The means-tested scheme has also been heavily-criticised by pensioners groups and many elderly people have not claimed.
But Mr Sheerman said Pension Credit was great news and would mean an estimated £400 a year for half of all pensioner households.
He said: "It only shows how out of touch the Tories are that they can condemn a scheme that will see extra cash going to many of our older people and that for the first time ever the government will reward pensioners for saving for their retirement."
He said the Tories own proposals on pensions were "pie in the sky nonsense."
Mr Sheerman said more than 2.1m had already received Pension Credit since it began on October 6.
He said those who hadn't yet applied should "ignore Tory ranting" and call the Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234 to claim.
