PENSIONERS lobbied Parliament yesterday to protest at Government plans

to put VAT on domestic fuel and power.

The National Pensioners Convention, which organized the lobby, claims

the elderly will be hit hard by the move, which will lead to higher

heating bills.

The protesters also set out several other demands,including higher

basic pensions, more security for pension funds and a reduction in the

age at which men can claim pensions from 65 to 60 to bring it into line

with the age for women.

NPC president Jack Jones, the former trade union leader, said

pensioners spent three times more on heating and lighting than the

average family, who spentmuch of the day out of the house at work or

school.

''It's going to have a big impact on their cost of living. They will

be paying an extra pound a week next year and the following year #2 or

#3 a week more -- at least that. t's not on a luxury. It's an

essential.''

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