Free TV licences for the over-75s are no substitute for a good pension, according to a charity representing elderly people in the county.

Age Concern Oxfordshire has said the Government needs to do more for pen- sioners.

New television licences are being sent to the homes of people who qualify under the Government's scheme over the next two or three weeks.

And Gill Kirk, the Labour Party candidate for Oxford West and Abingdon, said Oxfordshire's elderly, including 6,277 households in the constituency, were effectively receiving a 104 cash boost.

She said: "Significantly, around half of these pensioners are in the bottom three income bands - so the scheme will help people who need it most.

Many heavily rely on television for information and entertainment but struggle to pay the cost of the licence.

However, Mary Daniel, the director of Age Concern Oxfordshire, said: "I am sure that older people are delighted to receive a free TV licence, but it is no substitute for a good pension provision and we are looking to the Government to improve the level of pensions and the way it cares for older people."