Gordon Brown used the pre-Budget report to announce a pensions credit to deliver an extra £1100 a year to pensioner couples with an income of £150-a-year.

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs for Help the Aged, said: "The lack of any new thinking is a black hole in the government's forward agenda and today's statement gives no suggestion of fresh leadership to address the fundamental problems of pension provision.

"The failing of pension policies is a serious omission from today's pre budget report. Personal pensions savings have been going backwards as stock markets fall, annuity rates have tumbled as market yields have fallen and occupational scheme closures have risen.

"The chancellor's statement takes no account of these trends and the Pension Credit will drive half our older population into means-testing to support their incomes and independence.

"The government seems content to transfer the risks of retirement planning to individuals, with scant regards to encouraging and protecting the future pensions of tomorrow's pensioners."

Forum Response: Age Concern

Gordon Lishman, Age Concern England's director-general, said: "Cash increases via the state pension, minimum income guarantee and pension credit are very welcome but the real challenge now is to get cash without delay into pensioner's pockets.

"In particular, the government must commit to clear, ambitious targets for take-up of the pension credit. These should increase year on year until 100 per cent take up is achieved for the five million entitled pensioners.

"We also urge the government to consider our new research which suggests single older people need a minimum of £160 per week for an active and healthy lifestyle.

"We hope the forthcoming pensions green paper will offer a long-lasting pensions settlement, giving people the confidence they need about their income in retirement."

Forum Response: Association of Retired and Persons Over 50

Don Steele, director of social policy for ARPO50 said: "The lack of constructive proposals on this and related issues will cause disappointment among many older people. While the imminent Green Paper may look at relevant issues, the chancellor gives no cause for optimism.

"Brown was also silent on such matters as Inheritance Tax - which should reflect the current annual 24 per cent rise in house values and the many issues concerning care in old age."

Forum Response: National Association of Pension Funds

Peter Thompson, chairman for NAPF, told ePolitix.com: "We are disappointed that the chancellor showed no indication of boosting tax incentives for occupational pension contributions either for employers or employees.

"We look forward to the forthcoming green paper, and the Inland Revenue simplification report and hope that they will take a more radical approach. I hope that the delay in the green paper means that the government is seriously considering some of the issues facing UK pensions at the present time."