LOCAL MP Gordon Prentice has welcomed the increases to most social security benefits this week and said it is good news for the people of Pendle.

The changes include inflation rises and help for carers, people who are severely disabled and pensioners, as well as more financial help within the Widowed Parents' Allowance, which will go towards the cost of bringing up children until they leave school or sixth form college.

It wll increase from £1,000 to £2,000.

Mr Prentice said: "The Carer Premium will increase by £10 over and above inflation to £24.40. The Enhanced Disability Premium will increase by £5 for single people including children and £7.25 for couples.

"These increases will be a big help for many people in Pendle. At least 3,000 of our least well-off pensioners will gain from the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG), increased to £92.15 for all single pensioners and £140.55 for couples. For pensioners with a bit of money the lower capital limit in MIG is doubled from £3,000 to £6,000."