New state pension plans that come into force next April will create two classes of pensioners.

That’s the claim of Soham man Geoffrey Woollard, who is so concerned about the proposed changes he met with Ely MP Lucy Frazer to discuss the issue on Wednesday.

Mr Woollard, 77, of St Andrew’s Park, retired 12 years ago and receives the basic state pension of £115.95 per week.

From April 6 next year the government will be introducing the new ‘flat-rate pension’ for people who retire after that date. The amount pensioners will receive from April 6 will be £151.25 per week, at least £35.30 more than those who are already retired or who will retire between now and April 6.

Pensioners already in receipt of their state pension will continue to receive the lesser amount even when the new rate comes into force.

Mr Woollard speaking after the meeting said: “I don’t think she had any idea what I was talking about. I suggested that there would be jealousy and animosity between the two classes of pensioners and that she should make representations to the relevant Secretary of State.

“I was amazed - and said so - to hear her state that this was the first time that this issue had been raised with her.”