Today, Anne has asked the UK Government to review the amount of Personal Expenses Allowances it gives to pensioners and those with learning disabilities who live in care homes. Anne spoke out after a Westminster Hall debate on 10^th December about a report into pensioner poverty produced by the Department for Work and Pensions Select Committee, on which she sits.

After the debate Anne said, "Many people with learning disabilities live in registered care homes, so only receive £20 per week: the same as older people in care homes and hospital. I'm calling on the Government to double this to £40.

"Due to the numerous cuts in services for older people and those with learning disabilities by Aberdeen City Council many people are now having to pay for access to day services and pay full price for taxis. If the Council increased its charges for day care centers to £5.30 per day, as they suggest in their latest budget, then someone who is attending a day centre 3 days would only be left with £4 per week."

Anne continued, "Because of the continuing cuts by Aberdeen City Council to the most vulnerable in our society I would like the Government to either issue guidance stating that the £20 a week people receive should not be used by the Council to pay for access to day services or, failing that, increase the Personal Expenses Allowance."