Finance Minister Eugene Cox has promised the Island's pensioners another increase in pensions in next month's budget.

In a leaflet sent to seniors he said said Government planned to follow up on last year's three percent rise.

He said: "Government is committed to further improving the quality of your life and the quality of life for all senior citizens in our community.

"As part of our programme of continuing improvements I plan to include an outline of further increases to seniors' pensions in my 2004/2005 budget statement that will be presented to Parliament in February 2004."

Age Concern Executive Director Claudette Fleming welcomed the news.

She said: "It is indeed a pleasure to see that the Ministry of Finance is taking its responsibility to seniors seriously by boldly assuring pensioners that 'an outline of further increases to seniors' pensions' will be made in Minister Cox's February 2004/5 Budget Statement.

"These developments are encouraging to say the least, as recent headlines have reminded us of the many financial concerns that face not only our seniors but also those who are charged with their care.

"We look forward to further bold and responsive commitments from the ministries responsible for health and housing as well."