Thank you for your prompt response, and for writing to me about ending frozen pensions.
The UK State Pension is payable worldwide and is uprated abroad where there is a legal requirement to do so. I understand, however, that in most overseas countries, the Government does not have an agreement for securing the social security rights of people moving between the two countries. As a result, pensioners who move to these countries still receive the State Pension but do not have their payments uprated as UK residents do.
It is for the Government to decide to negotiate with other countries on this matter and the current policy on the State Pension overseas is the long-standing and unchanged position of successive Governments. More information on countries where an annual increase is paid can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-pensions-annual-increases-if-you-live-abroad/countries-where-we-pay-an-annual-increase-in-the-state-pension.
I will, however, always call on the Government to ensure that pensioners can live with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
With regards to your ability to vote in UK elections, I would be happy to look into this matter on your behalf. Please respond to me with your permission to do this and I will contact the Electoral Registration Officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
With regard to Anne Puckridge, she sounds like an amazing lady. If she has not already done so, I would suggest she contacts the MP for the constituency in which she lived before she left the UK to ask for their assistance with her case.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
