A LEADING charity is calling on the Government to abolish pension cuts for old people enduring long stays in hospital.

Age Concern says thousands of elderly people leave hospital in a vulnerable state, only to be faced with worries about paying household bills because of their reduced pension.

The state pension for a single person is cut by £28.30 a week for a hospital stay of six weeks or longer.

Sue Pearson, chief executive of Age Concern Newcastle, says thousands of pensioners are forced to endure the cuts when they are at their most vulnerable, sometimes losing benefits to help with income support, housing and council tax.

It reports older people complaining of getting into rent arrears because their housing benefit has been stopped; being confused about rules and procedures at a time when they are unwell; spending months after leaving hospital trying to get benefits reinstated and obtain back-payments while they are convalescing.

Pension and benefit cuts are made by the Government because expenses such as food and other living expenses are covered while they are in hospital.

Age Concern is asking pensioners to contact their local office of the charity if they could be affected.