Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP Sylvia Heal has welcomed new measures to help people, especially women, to receive the full basic state pension.

The Pensions Bill was approved by the House of Commons this week. It includes measures such as restoring the link between the basic state pension and earnings and reducing the number of years of contributions needed so from 2010 both people will need just 30 qualifying years to receive a basic state pension.

This change will increase the number of women entitled to a full basic pension from around just 30 per cent to seven per cent in 2010.

Sylvia said: "The government is tackling the important issue of pensions. Such measures have made a real difference to lives of ordinary pensioners in Halesowen and Rowley Regis"